Perceived Stress Levels and Associated Factors Among SARS-CoV-2-Affected Young Adults Under Home Isolation—A Cross-Sectional Study From Kerala,India

Abstract

Introduction

The impact of SARS-CoV-2 is not only on physical health but also on mental health. This pandemic raised concerns of fear, anxiety, and stress among patients affected with the disease. Quarantine and home isolation might have created psychological distress and helplessness in patients due to social and economic reasons. This study aimed in assessing the level of perceived stress and factors associated with it among SARS-CoV-2-affected young adults who were under home isolation.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 147 SARS-CoV-2-affected young adults who were under home isolation during June 2021 to August 2021. A semi-structured proforma was created using KoBo Toolbox for humanitarian response for data collection. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) was used for measurement of stress among COVID-19 patients. The questionnaire was shared in online platform. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23.0. Significance of association was tested using chi square test and independent sample t test. Logistic regression was done to predict the factors associated with perceived stress.

Results

Out of the 147 study participants, 56.5% were females and 43.5% were males. Symptoms were present in 94 (63.9%) of patients. The mean age of the study participants was 26 (10.5) years. The mean PSS score was 17.5 (6.4). Among the cases under home isolation, 24.5% had low stress levels, 68% had moderate stress levels, and 7.5% had severe stress levels. Feeling of loneliness during home isolation (odds ratio [OR]: 4.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.9-11.63], P = .008), presence of elderly or under-5 children in the same house (OR: 15.45, 95% CI [2.03-117.5], P = .001), and presence of cough (P = .05) were found to be significantly associated with higher PSS scores. Age and sleep were negatively correlated with stress score.

Conclusion

One-third of the study participants had moderate to severe levels of perceived stress. Age, sleep hours, presence of cough, presence of under-5 children or elderly in the same house, and feeling of loneliness during home isolation were found to be significantly associated with high perceived stress level scores.