Prevalence and Risk Factors for Post-Traumatic Stress in Hospitalized and Non-Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

This population-based study assessed the prevalence and determinants of symptom-defined post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a cohort of hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients about 1.5-6 months after their COVID-19 onset. The data were acquired from two mixed postal/web surveys in June-September 2020 from patients all aged ≥18 years with a positive polymerase chain reaction for severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) until 1 June 2020, comprising both hospitalized and non-hospitalized subjects. The catchment areas of the two included hospitals covers about 17% of the population of Norway. In total, 211 hospitalized and 938 non-hospitalized subjects received invitation. The prevalence of symptom-defined PTSD was assessed using the PTSD checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Determinants of symptom-defined PTSD and PTSD symptoms were analyzed using multivariable logistic and linear regression analysis. In total, 583 (51%) subjects responded at median 116 (range 41-200) days after COVID-19 onset. The prevalence of symptom-defined PTSD was 9.5% in hospitalized and 7.0% in non-hospitalized subjects (AD - Pulmonary Department, Akershus University Hospital, 1478 Lørenskog, Norway. Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0450 Oslo, Norway. Department of Behavioral Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, 0317 Oslo, Norway. Haematology and Oncology, Østfold Hospital Trust Kalnes, 1714 Grålum, Norway. Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, 0484 Oslo, Norway. Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, 1478 Lørenskog, Norway.

Extra: Edition: 20210220