Psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic within institutional quarantine and isolation centres and its sociodemographic correlates in Qatar: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

SettingThe State of Qatar has had one of the highest COVID-19 infection rates globally and has used state-managed quarantine and isolation centres to limit the spread of infection. Quarantine and isolation have been shown to negatively affect the mental health of individuals. Qatar has a unique population, with around 90% of the population being economic migrants and a majority being blue-collar workers and labourers.ObjectivesThis study was carried out to evaluate the psychological impact of institutional isolation and quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in Qatar. The study also explored the sociodemographic correlates of this psychological impact.Design, participants and interventionA cross-sectional study involving 748 consenting individuals in institutional quarantine and isolation in Qatar during the months of June and July 2020 was carried out. Relevant sociodemographic data along with depressive and anxiety symptomatology scores were collected from consenting adults at these facilities.Results37.4% (n=270) of respondents reported depressive symptoms and 25.9% (n=189) reported anxiety symptoms. The scores were higher for individuals in isolation facilities and higher for migrants from poor socioeconomic group (p<0.001 for both). Within this group, although worries about infection were widely reported, lack of contact with the family was cited as one of the most important sources of distress. Respondents reported that contact with the family and reliable information were important factors that helped during the duration of isolation and quarantine.ConclusionsOur study reported significantly elevated scores for depression and anxiety during institutional quarantine, which is in keeping with emerging evidence. However, in contrast to other studies reporting mostly from native populations, this study of a population with an overwhelming majority of immigrants highlights the special mental health needs of this specific group and can inform future healthcare policies.

When, why, and how do People Deviate from Physical Distancing Measures During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Study

“…An important finding within this study was the centrality of participants' need for closeness and social interaction with loved ones as a motivator for deviation from the measures. This finding aligns with the results of studies investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on loneliness and social well-being (Reagu et al, 2021;Banerjee & Rai, 2020). In a study by Reagu et al (2021) participants reported the lack of contact with family members to be one of the main sources of their experienced distress.…”

“…This finding aligns with the results of studies investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on loneliness and social well-being (Reagu et al, 2021;Banerjee & Rai, 2020). In a study by Reagu et al (2021) participants reported the lack of contact with family members to be one of the main sources of their experienced distress. Indeed, in the context of physical distancing measures, the basic human need for closeness and belonging can be chronically frustrated in the name of collective health and safety (Hagerty et al, 1992;McLeod, 2007, Ristau, 2011.…”

Network analysis of anxiety and depressive symptoms among quarantined individuals: cross-sectional study

“…30 Based on our previous study, the majority of our participants were migrant workers, and participants with COVID-19 had higher depressive (PHQ-9 score 6.1 v. 2.8; P < 0.001) and anxiety scores (GAD-7 score 4.8 v. 2.3; P < 0.001) compared with controls. 15 In addition, our participants comprised quarantined individuals. Social isolation and loneliness in the context of quarantine can lead to symptoms of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders.…”

Factors Associated with Depression and Anxiety in the Adult Population of Qatar after the First COVID-19 Wave: a Cross-sectional study

“…A study conducted in United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic (April 2020) found that positive religious coping was associated with lower depression scores in Muslims but not Christians (Thomas and Barbato, 2020). Two studies from Qatar, one conducted in elderly population being quarantined for COVID-19, also supported a negative association between religiosity and depression-anxiety (Ouanes et al, 2021;Reagu et al, 2021). These ndings suggest that health care professionals should assess spirituality as it may be another facet to help build resilience at times of stress.…”