A Study Protocol on Methodological Approach in Mental Health Status of COVID-19 Patients in the Main Hospitals in Malaysia (MentalStatCOVID)

Abstract

Background: Mental health has always been an important marker for survival especially in the case of disaster due to pandemic disease. Therefore, we aimed to determine the burden of among COVID-19 patients in Malaysia. This article describes the study protocol on the research project entitled “Mental Health Status of COVID-19 Patients in the Main Hospitals in Malaysia”.Method: A cross-sectional study via web-based online survey involving 401 patients in the main COVID-19 hospitals in Malaysia who were selected via quota sampling. The questionnaire consists of socio-demographic profile, Patient Health Questionnaire 9 items (PHQ-9), General Anxiety Disorders 7 items (GAD-7) and Brief COPE (Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced). The identified probable cases of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation were subsequently referred to psychiatrists.Discussion: The study should identify probable cases of depression and anxiety including suicidal ideation which should be managed appropriately by the psychiatrist in the participating hospital. The findings will reveal the current mental health burden towards COVID-19 patients.