Impact of COVID-19 on patients with mental health conditions reported by caregivers in Saudi Arabia

Abstract EN

Objective: the current study aims to measure the perceived effects of COVID-19 on patients with mental health conditions and their families.

methods : using a descriptive cross-sectional survey design, a random sample of 1,168 caregivers were recruited to the study.

caregivers were identified via the patient affairs department database with every third person invited via WhatsApp to complete an online questionnaire.

the structured questionnaire was based on published research during the COVID-19 pandemic.

results : of the 1,168 people recruited, 246 participated in the study; nearly 50% were caregivers for patients who were women.

one out of two caregivers reported a deterioration in patients’ mental health symptoms.

four out of ten participants reported that the pandemic negatively affected home care support by family members of mental health patients.

around 50% reported they would decline hospital admission if a psychiatric doctor recommended it during the pandemic and 71.3% reported believing that medications were unsafe if prescribed without a consultation.

conclusion : the COVID-19 pandemic has had a pronounced effect on Saudi mental health patients.

decisions whether to seek psychiatric care were also greatly influenced COVID-19.

There is a clear need for adaptation and monitoring of the current emergency response psychiatric services as well as for further research to explore the knowledge of psychiatric patients and their caregivers regarding COVID-19.