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. 2020 Dec;34(6):507-512.
doi: 10.1016/j.apnu.2020.08.003. Epub 2020 Aug 4.

Effect of Covid-19 pandemic on mental health among Albanian people residing in the country and abroad - Implications for mental care

Fatjona Kamberi  1 , Jerina Jaho  2 , Enkeleint Aggelos Mechili  3 , Enkeleda Sinaj  4 , Hera Skendo  5
Affiliations

Effect of Covid-19 pandemic on mental health among Albanian people residing in the country and abroad - Implications for mental care

Fatjona Kamberi et al. Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 2020 Dec.

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease caused by the novel coronavirus Covid-19 is a current worldwide outbreak. The use of quarantine and isolation proved effective in containing the spread of infection.

Objectives: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess the mental health of Albanian people residing in the country and abroad during the quarantine period for the Covid-19 pandemic.

Design: This study was carried out from 25th March - 20th April 2020 through a web survey shared on social networks. The goal was to reach at least the minimum sample size for cross-sectional studies. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess mental health. Chi-square (χ2) and Fisher -Exact test were used to assess the statistical significance among variables. P values ≤0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results: 715 participants were included in the final analyses (78.41% females and 21.53% males). Most were residents in Albania (80.41%) and the others resided mainly in Italy (6.89%), Greece (3.51%), Germany (2.43%), Kosovo (1.62%) and the UK (1.69%). Statistical association was found between gender, country of residency and measures taken. Summary score of PHQ-9 items was 6.4662. The total score of depression classification shows that 31.82% and 12.90% of participants have respectively mild and moderate depression. Female participants showed the highest score for some items of PHQ-9, p≤0.05.

Conclusions: Findings suggest that health care professionals should recognize and address mental health problems associated with Covid-19 especially in vulnerable groups. Acting in a timely and proper manner is essential in preventing these problems from becoming chronic.

Keywords: Albanian people; Covid-19 pandemic; Mental health; PHQ-9; Quarantine.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest with the research or writing of this paper.

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