Psychological Distress in Patients with COVID-19 During Hospitalization

To determine the changes in psychological distress levels of patients hospitalized with the diagnosis of COVID-19 and the characteristics of patients at risk. This longitudinal study included 76 patients. The psychological distress was evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale thrice (on the 1st day of hospitalization and isolation (t0), sixth day (t1), and when the discharge decision was made). The prevalence of anxiety was 22.4%, 14.5%, and 9.2%, whereas the prevalence of depression was 36.8%, 42.1%, and 43.4% at t0, t1, and t2, respectively. The patients' anxiety level decreased, whereas the depression level increased during hospitalization (p < .001). Increasing age, a chronic physical disease, and at least one COVID-19-positive relative increased the risk of psychological distress (p < .05). The assessment and intervention of psychological distress should not be neglected in patients with COVID-19, particularly the group determined to be at a risk.