PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF QUARANTINE AND ISOLATION DURING COVID-19 OUTBREAK IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM.
K N WIN1, R A G TAN1, M R SABLEE1, M F ABAS1, K THU2, A A TRIVEDI1, A LAI1,3, K ISMAIL1, D KOH3.
1Occupational Health Division, Ministry of Health, Brunei Darussalam.
2Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health, Brunei Darussalam.
3PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti of Brunei Darussalam.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Quarantine is a public health measure commonly used to contain spread of an infectious disease; however, it can have significant psychological effects. Methodology: This cross-sectional study used a web-based self-administered questionnaire to assess the psychological impact of quarantine and isolation, and its association with demographic factors, quarantine/isolation circumstances, travel and medical history. DASS-42 assessment tool was used to measure for depression, anxiety and stress among individuals who underwent quarantine and isolation during the first wave of COVID-19 outbreak from 9 March until 6 May 2020 in Brunei Darussalam. Results: This study obtained 31% (544) response rate. 29.9% reported presence of psychological impact as a result of their quarantine. Based on bivariate and multivariate analyses, female, younger age group, longer quarantine/isolation duration, and pre-existing medical conditions experienced higher psychological effects (anxiety, depression and stress). Depression was significant in younger age individuals, unemployed/retired individuals, and those with pre-existing medical conditions, whilst anxiety was significant in individuals who had contact with a positive COVID-19 case. Pre-existing medical conditions had higher impact on depression (OR 3.82), anxiety (OR 3.26) and stress (OR 3.66). Conclusion: This study identified individuals at risk for developing depression, anxiety or stress during quarantine or self-isolation, and who would benefit from additional support and intervention to protect their mental health during this time.
Keywords: Quarantine, Psychological impact, COVID-19, Depression, Anxiety, Stress.
Corresponding Author: Kyaw Naing Win, (MBBS, MMed), Occupational Health Division, Level 1, Health Screening Centre, Jalan Delima Dua, Berakas BB2313, Brunei Darussalam.
Email: kyawnaing.win@moh.gov.bn
Brunei Int Med J.2023;19:19-25