Mental Health Status of Patients Recovered from COVID-19 in Macau: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a global health crisis, impacting physical, and mental well-being, particularly among those who have recovered from the illness. This study aimed to assess the mental health status of patients recovered from COVID-19 in Macau, focusing on the impact of sequelae of COVID-19, and identifying demographic factors associated with poor mental health. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted involving 494 adults who had recovered from COVID-19, with 426 participants included in the final analysis. Mental health was evaluated using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), with scores ≥3 indicating poor mental health. Results: This study revealed a high prevalence of poor mental health, affecting 71.8% of the respondents. Binary logistic regression identified experiencing COVID-19 sequelae (OR = 5.727, 95% CI: 2.973-11.031), being in the age groups of 26-45 (OR = 4.227, 95% CI: 1.754-10.185), or 61, and above (OR = 18.072, 95% CI: 3.590-90.962), being male (OR = 0.501, 95% CI: 0.257-0.979), being married (OR = 5.714, 95% CI: 1.919-17.016), and dissatisfaction with family relationships (OR = 2.957, 95% CI: 1.228-7.119) as significant risk factors for poor mental health. Conclusions: This study underscores the critical need for targeted psychological support for patients recovered from COVID-19 in Macau, particularly for those with sequelae, and those in vulnerable demographic groups. The findings suggest that specific age groups and individuals with sequelae may face higher mental health risks, indicating the necessity for prioritized interventions.

Keywords: COVID-19; Macau; interventions; mental health; mental health crises; sequelae.

Figure 1

Analysis of the correlation between basic socio-demographic variables, COVID-19 sequelae, and mental health in the respondents. Note: * p < 0.05; ** p < 0.01.

Figure 2

Forest plot showing binary logistic regression. Notes: Females (Ref: males), individuals aged 61 or above and 26–45 (both Ref: aged 18–25), married individuals (Ref: unmarried), unsatisfied individuals (Ref: satisfied), and those with sequelae (Ref: no sequelae) are presented. Values are shown as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and statistical significance is indicated by p-values, with p < 0.05 considered as the threshold for significance.