Prevalence, Demographic, and Clinical Correlates of Likely PTSD in Subscribers of Text4Hope during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, people may experience increased risk of adverse mental health, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods: A survey measured stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms in Text4Hope subscribers using the Perceived Stress Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 Part 3, respectively. A Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were employed. Results: Most respondents were 41–60 years old (49.5%), Caucasian (83.3%), with post-secondary education (92.1%), employed (70.3%), married/cohabiting/partnered (64.9%), and homeowners (71.7%). Likely PTSD was reported in 46.8% of the respondents. Those who were afraid to contract the coronavirus had a history of depression before the pandemic, and those who received counselling during the pandemic exhibited a high prevalence of likely PTSD (OR (1.7 to 2.2)). Significant lower odds of likely PTSD were observed among subscribers who received absolute support from family/friends. Conclusions: This paper presents findings on the prevalence of likely PTSD and identified vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our results support the proposal that public health advice should incorporate mental health wellness campaigns aiming to reduce the psychological impact of pandemics.

Patients’ Expectations and Experiences With a Mental Health–Focused Supportive Text Messaging Program: Mixed Methods Evaluation

“…In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic hit at the time of our data collection. This may have imposed excessive psychological burdens, such as stress, anxiety, depression, sleep disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, particularly among those who have underlying mental health conditions [ 32 - 34 ].…”

“…Regarding the results of the secondary outcome, the relationship of satisfaction with sex at birth or with the primary diagnosis of the participants was not significant. According to the literature, satisfaction based on respondents’ sex at birth or gender usually produces mixed results, although women are more inclined to report to such surveys with positive satisfaction, other research has indicated that men also report high rates of satisfaction [ 32 ]. In the same context, patients with different mental health conditions, such as psychotic disorder, depression, anxiety, and comorbid alcohol use, often report high satisfaction with mobile mental health services that make them feel in charge of managing their own mental health symptoms [ 1 , 19 , 31 ].…”

COVID-19 Pandemic in a Vulnerable Population: Prevalence and Correlates of Anxiety

“…Emerging evidence from studies on the COVID-19 pandemic or similar disasters, suggests that several factors are implicated in the development of mental health and anxiety symptoms; for example, sociodemographic characteristics, such as age, gender, or receiving inadequate social support have significantly impacted mental health outcomes during such difficult times [ 5 , 12 , 13 , 14 ]. Additionally, having an infected family member with COVID-19 or excessive fear of becoming infected were also associated with stress-related symptoms [ 14 , 15 , 16 ].…”

“…Emerging evidence from studies on the COVID-19 pandemic or similar disasters, suggests that several factors are implicated in the development of mental health and anxiety symptoms; for example, sociodemographic characteristics, such as age, gender, or receiving inadequate social support have significantly impacted mental health outcomes during such difficult times [ 5 , 12 , 13 , 14 ]. Additionally, having an infected family member with COVID-19 or excessive fear of becoming infected were also associated with stress-related symptoms [ 14 , 15 , 16 ]. Furthermore, having an existing mental health condition such as depression or anxiety may present an additional risk, which may contribute to potential exacerbation of the symptoms or relapsing due to service disruption or the need for isolation [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ].…”

“…Additionally, having an infected family member with COVID-19 or excessive fear of becoming infected were also associated with stress-related symptoms [ 14 , 15 , 16 ]. Furthermore, having an existing mental health condition such as depression or anxiety may present an additional risk, which may contribute to potential exacerbation of the symptoms or relapsing due to service disruption or the need for isolation [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. The received support during the current pandemic was also a significant protector against mental health symptoms.…”