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. 2008 Jul;136(7):997-1007.
doi: 10.1017/S0950268807009156. Epub 2007 Jul 30.

Understanding, compliance and psychological impact of the SARS quarantine experience

D L Reynolds  1 , J R Garay, S L Deamond, M K Moran, W Gold, R Styra
Affiliations

Understanding, compliance and psychological impact of the SARS quarantine experience

D L Reynolds et al. Epidemiol Infect. 2008 Jul.

Abstract

This study examines a cohort of persons quarantined during the 2003 SARS outbreak in Canada and describes their understanding of, difficulties and compliance with, and the psychological impact of the quarantine experience. A mailed questionnaire was administered to 1912 eligible adults and included the Impact of Events Scale - Revised (IES-R) to assess symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Self-reported compliance with all required quarantine measures was low (15.8+/-2.3%), although significantly higher when the rationale for quarantine was understood (P=0.018). Health-care workers (HCW) experienced greater psychological distress, including symptoms of PTSD (P<0.001). Increasing perceived difficulty with compliance, HCW, longer quarantine and compliance with quarantine requirements were significant contributors to higher IES-R scores. The low compliance with quarantine requirements introduces concerns about the effectiveness of quarantine as a public health measure. Improvements in compliance and reduced psychological distress may be possible by minimizing duration, revising requirements, and providing enhanced education and support.

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