Psychological Impact of COVID-19, Isolation, and Quarantine: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in mandatory isolation and quarantine. The objective of this study was to describe and compare the psychological impacts of COVID-19 isolation and quarantine. Methods: This was a cross-sectional retrospective study. Participants were Bahrainis aged >18 years who had undergone either isolation or quarantine. Eligible participants were identified from the COVID-19 contacts (quarantine) and cases (isolation) database of Bahrain. Validated questionnaires for self-reported depression (Center for Epidemiological Studies & mdash; depression [CES-D]), posttraumatic stress (Impact of Event Scale & mdash; revised [IES-R]), and perceived stigma (Stigma Scale [SS]) were administered. Results: Mean CES-D, IES-R, and SS scores were 16.76 +/- 5.65, 13.50 +/- 14.67, and 25.29 +/- 7.99, respectively. In sum, 40% (205 of 502) of participants showed clinically significant depression, and <20% (98 of 502) had indications of some posttraumatic distress, with greater depression and distress in those isolated than those quarantined. Perceived stigma was reported by 53.4% (268 of 502) of participants, more prominent among those quarantined. Depression and posttraumatic stress scores were significantly higher in females, college students, those with a history of mental health conditions, knowing a COVID-19 fatality, and experiencing social conflict. Age was a significant variable correlated with all three scales, with younger participants indicating more distress, depression, and stigma. Duration of segregation was significantly correlated with CES-D, score showing more depressive symptoms as the duration of isolation increased. Significant predictors were age, sex, history of mental illness, and COVID-19 status. Conclusion: Isolated and quarantined individuals reported depression, perceived stigma, and to a lesser extent distress. Psychological interventions identifying and targeting people with different-severity psychological burdens are in urgent need.

Automated summary

The study compared the psychological impacts of COVID-19 isolation and quarantine, finding that individuals reported depression, perceived stigma, and distress. Factors influencing psychological impacts included gender, age, history of mental illness, knowing a COVID-19 fatality, and duration of isolation.