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Research Paper | Health and Medical Sciences | Oman | Volume 10 Issue 1, January 2021

Frequency of Self-Reported Depressive Symptoms among Omani and Non-Omani adults Diagnosed with COVID-19 in Primary Health Care Facilities in Muscat Governorate, Oman

Anwaar Al Lawati | Thamra Al Ghafri | Said Al Hasani | Huda Anwar | Fatma Al Ajmi

Abstract: Background & Aim: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global public health concern that can have a significant impact on mental health. The aim of this study was to estimate the rate of and factors associated with self-reported depressive symptoms among adults diagnosed with COVID-19 at primary care facilities in Muscat Governorate. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between 15th May and 10th July 2020 in Muscat Governorate. All confirmed cases of COVID-19 undergoing mandatory isolation during this period either at home (in the case of Omani nationals) or at institutions (for non-Omani patients) were invited to participate in the study. The 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) screening tool was used to assess the frequency of self-reported depressive symptoms. Results: Out of 600 Omani and 350 non-Omani patients with COVID-19, 232 Omani (38.7 %) and 240 non-Omani (68.6 %) subjects participated in the study. Based on their PHQ-9 scores, 47.4 % and 26.2 % of Omani and non-Omani participants, respectively, reported depressive symptoms (P ≤0.001), with the severity of these symptoms appearing milder among non-Omani participants. Moreover, the likelihood of reporting depressive symptoms was greater among Omani participants (odds ratio: 2.53, 95 % confidence interval: 1.72–3.73). Being female, having severe COVID-19 symptoms and perceiving isolation to be a possible cause for mental illness were factors significantly associated with higher PHQ-9 scores in Omani participants (P ≤0.05). Conclusions: The frequency of self-reported depressive symptoms was high among patients with COVID-19, with Omani participants significantly more likely to report depressive symptoms compared to non-Omanis. Further investigation of the psychosocial determinants of mental health in COVID-19 patients should be incorporated into future studies.

Keywords: depression, COVID-19, Oman, primary care settings, mental health

Edition: Volume 10 Issue 1, January 2021,

Pages: 1160 - 1164