Title: The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among the Sudanese population in Khartoum state, 2020
Authors: Yasir A. E. Hamed
Mohamed A. A. Almahal
Tarig M. M. Adam
Murwan A. M. Mageit Amro M. M. Mudawi
Ahmed H. A. Mohamed
Kamil M. A. Shaaban. Azhari. H. Hassan
Volume: 7
Issue: 11
Pages: 31-42
Publication Date: 2023/11/28
Abstract:
Background: The consequences of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) extend further than the physical domain. Objectives: The existing study intended to probe the risk factors and the prevalence of anxiety and depression in Sudanese inhabitants in Khartoum districts. Methods and subjects: An online survey version of the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), and data on demographic characteristics, social media usage, financial stress, social support, quarantine status, and COVID-19 infection were used to investigate the anxiety depression and symptoms of 712 respondents. Results: The prevalence of anxiety and depression was determined to be 65.3% and 78.2% respectively. Comorbid anxiety/depression was 94.2% and 78.6%, correspondingly. Age, male gender, significant social support, and lower financial pressure were all found to be protective factors against depression and anxiety. Increased time spent on social media was a risk factor for COVID-19. Only a history of chronic illness, mental illness, or quarantine were risk factors for depression. Being a student and freelancing was only protective against anxiety when compared to being unemployed and never being exposed to COVID-19 on TV/radio. Conclusions and Recommendations: The current study proposed that further monitoring and interventions for the population's mental health be implemented.