Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety and Associated Factors Among Patients Who Have Recovered From Covid-19 Infection 6 Months Post Diagnosis at Avenue Hospital Nairobi

Abstract

Background Covid-19 has impacted the lives of many Kenyans and has posed a great challenge to mental wellbeing. Little is known about mental health among adults who were infected with the virus. Common mental disorders include depression and anxiety which have a negative impact on the quality of life. Aim The primary goal of this research is to determine the prevalence of depression, anxiety and associated sociodemographic factors, among patients who have recovered from Covid-19 infection 6 months post-diagnosis at Avenue Hospital, Nairobi. Methodology This is a cross-sectional study conducted at Avenue Hospital, Nairobi after appropriate approvals were received. The study population included any adult who has recovered from Covid-19 infection, 6 months post the diagnosis, given consent, and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study participants were selected using a simple random sampling method. Data was collected using a researcher-designed questionnaire capturing the socio-demographic factors, the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) for assessing depressive symptoms, Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) for assessing anxiety symptoms, and Covid-illness checklist. Collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 26. Univariate analysis was done on the sociodemographic variables and summarized in the form of tables and graphs. Data was summarized into frequency and percentages. The association between depression, anxiety and socio-demographic factors was determined using the Chi-square test. A binary logistic regression model was also used to produce the odds ratio and corresponding Confidence interval and P-values. A p value of < 0.05 was taken to show a statistically significant association. Results The prevalence of depression in this study was seen to be at 20% (mild- 10%, moderate- 5%, and severe- 5%). There was a significant association between being female and depression (p=0.002). Having an income of less than KES 100,000 had an association with depression (p<0.05). A significant association was also noted between depression and having a previous diagnosis of depression (p=0.007). The prevalence of anxiety in this study was seen to be at 31% (mild- 19%, moderate- 6%, and severe- 6%). Being female was individually associated with anxiety (p=0.003). There was also a significant association between anxiety and having an income of less than KES 100,000 (p<0.005). A significant association was seen between anxiety and being a dependent in the family (p=0.025). A previous history of having both depression and anxiety was also significantly associated with anxiety (p=0.033). A significant correlation between depression and anxiety was evident (p<0.001) showing that those who suffered from one of the two (depression or anxiety) also suffered from the other. Conclusion Depression and anxiety are prevalent among patients who have recovered from Covid-19 infection 6 months post-diagnosis. Routine screening for depression and anxiety among patients who have recovered from Covid-19 should be implemented to enhance early detection and management.