Depression and related factors among patients with post-COVID-19 conditions: Cross-sectional, hospital-based study

Background and aims: The COVID-19 crisis has significantly impacted public health, particularly mental health. This study aims to determine the prevalence of depression and related factors among patients with post-COVID-19 conditions in an outpatient clinic at a tertiary referral hospital in Southern Vietnam.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 410 patients with post-COVID-19 conditions in an outpatient clinic at the University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City. A convenience sampling method was used to screen for depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).

Results: A total of 410 patients participated in the study. Depression was observed in 23.7% of respondents, categorized as mild (80.4%), moderate (16.5%), or severe (3.1%) based on PHQ-9 scores. Factors influencing depression included age 50 years or older, religion, education level, full-time employment, marital status, family contact, use of anti-inflammatory drugs, hospital admission due to COVID-19, chronic diseases, hypertension, and post-COVID-19 symptoms (shortness of breath, palpitations, fatigue, headache, abdominal pain, brain fog, insomnia, and loss of appetite). The most common symptoms reported were cough, dyspnea, shortness of breath, fatigue, and loss of appetite. A p-value of less than 0.05 indicated statistical significance.

Conclusion: The prevalence of depression among patients with post-COVID-19 conditions in the outpatient clinic was high. Improving mental health and quality of life, alongside the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, should remain public health priorities.