Impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of the population: Study in primary care

• Published in: Atención primaria 2024-03, Vol.56 (3), p.102813-102813
• Main Authors: Montserrat-Capdevila, Josep, Fornells-Barberà, Immaculada, Roso-Llorach, Albert, Olivares-Sanzo, Pau, Romero-Gracia, Albert, Ichart, J Xavier
• Format: Article
• Language: eng ; spa
• ISSN: 1578-1275
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aprim.2023.102813

To determine the prevalence of COVID-19 and the characteristics of infected patients, as well as the prevalence of mental disorders associated with the infection and the associated risk factors. Secondary: to know the prevalence of the long COVID syndrome and the characteristics of this cohort. Incidence study of mental disorder in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and case-control study of long COVID syndrome in the subsample of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 without a history of mental disorder. SITE: Primary care setting in Lleida. The 46,258 patients diagnosed of COVID-19 without a history of mental disorder were followed for 2 years. The dependent variable was the mental disorder in the period 03/11/2020 to 03/11/2022; and the independent variables were clinical and social variables. Its association with mental disorder was analyzed by calculating the adjusted hazard ratio using a logistic regression model. The average age of 46,258 patients at the beginning of the study was 43±17.9 years. 47% were women. The mental disorder rate for all period was 3.46% (59.20% anxiety). A predictive score was elaborated. The long COVID syndrome was more common in older women, without toxic habits, with obesity and associated comorbidity. COVID-19 has had an impact on the mental health of patients. Knowing the risk factors for developing these mental disorders and the long COVID syndrome would allow the clinician to be able to identify patients at risk in order to establish preventive measures and avoid their appearance.