Effect of COVID-19 on the Mental Health

Abstract

Background: Several cases of a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) causing respiratory infections in humans were reported in Wuhan, China, near the end of December 2019. The virus quickly spread around the world, bringing the coronavirus pandemic in 2019. COVID-19 was labeled a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern" by the World Health Organization (WHO).Sleep is a critical biological function for preserving internal balance and overall quality of life. Sleep deprivation can result in neuroinflammation, which disrupts the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) through the participation of cytokines, chemokines, and acute-phase proteins, causing alterations in BBB biological components, notably brain endothelial cells. Sleep disruption may be linked to COVID-19 patients' negative health outcomes.

Objective: The current study aimed to investigate mental health in post-COVID-19 patients and their influence on several qualities of life and to suggest some recommendations to decrease the effect of covid-19. It was a cross sectional study.

Methodology: The study was carried out online and our participants were those who had contracted COVID-19. The sample size was calculated through WHO calculator. Our sample size was 134.The results were analyzed through SPSS.

Results: The results suggested that Covid-19 has an impact on mental health. We found high prevalence of sleep disturbances, changes in biological rhythm, depression, and frustration among both male and female participants. The results showed that 52.5% females and 46.7% males were having absolute sleep disturbances, 35.6% female and 34.7% male were experiencing changes in their biological rhythm, 47.5% females and 53.35% males were depressed and 52.5% females and 57.3% males were frustrated.

Conclusion: Based on the results of our study, it is clear that COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the mental health of our participants. The high prevalence of sleep disturbances, changes in biological rhythm, depression, and frustration among both male and female participants highlights the need for interventions and support to address these issues.

Key words: Covid-19, mental health, quality of life.