Prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among COVID-19 Survivors: A 6-Month Follow-up Study in a Few Referral Hospitals of Tehran, Iran

COVID-19 has significantly impacted individuals globally, leading to heightened levels of stress and psychological distress. COVID-19 hospitalized patients experience social exclusion, physical pain, and survival anxiety. This study aims to screen recovered COVID-19 patients for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and assess its correlation with psychosocial factors for six months.

In this descriptive-analytical cohort study, 401 patients aged 18-80 years were hospitalized in hospitals related to Tehran University of Medical Sciences due to COVID-19 from March 1 to May 31, 2021, and were followed for six months. Recovered patients completed electronic  PCL-5 and demographic questionnaires to be screened for PTSD and other psychiatric comorbidities. The data were analyzed utilizing multivariate logistic regression models.

Based on the PCL-5, PTSD was diagnosed in 6.4% of the samples. 10.2% of the samples received a subthreshold PTSD diagnosis. 46.2% of the samples with a PTSD diagnosis had a positive past psychiatric history. Results demonstrated that a previous positive psychiatric diagnosis has a statistically significant relationship with PTSD (p<0.05).  This research did not reveal any significant association between PTSD symptoms and demographic features.

PTSD and subthreshold PTSD rates in COVID-19 patients after hospital discharge are significant. A positive past psychiatric history was recognized as a contributing factor contributing to the onset of PTSD. COVID-19 survivors should be screened for PTSD during follow-up examinations.