Prevalence and factors associated with depression and anxiety among COVID-19 survivors in Dhaka city

Abstract

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global public health concern. Evidence shows that depression and anxiety are common among patients with COVID-19 after recovery. About one-third of the total COVID-19 cases in Bangladesh have been reported in Dhaka city. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression and anxiety and associated factors among COVID-19 survivors in Dhaka city.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among a total of 384 COVID-19 survivors aged 18 years or older. Data collection was done through face-to-face and telephone interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scales were used to assess depression and anxiety, respectively. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with depression and anxiety.Results The overall prevalence of depression and anxiety was 26.0% and 23.2%, respectively. Respondents aged ≥ 60 years were 2.85 and 3.59 times more likely to have depression and anxiety, respectively than those aged 18–39 years. Hospitalized COVID-19 patients had a 1.98 and 2.28 times higher chance of having depression and anxiety, respectively than non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients. COVID-19 patients with comorbidities were at a 3.48 and 2.87 times higher risk of depression and anxiety, respectively compared to those without comorbidities.Conclusions The study reported a high prevalence of depression and anxiety among COVID-19 survivors in Dhaka city. The findings suggest the need for appropriate interventions to reduce mental health complications in COVID-19 survivors.