Psychological impact and severity condition during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic among the general population in Iraq

Background: the COVID-19 pandemic is a global healthcare crisis that impacts multiple body systems and is linked to various psychiatric issues.Objective: this study aims to assess psychological symptoms, sleep disturbances, and insomnia associated with infection by covid-19, examining the severity of these symptoms based on the perceived threat of infection. Patients and Methods: This observational, cross-sectional study of a convenient sample of patients, involved collecting medical data by distributing questionnaires under a psychiatrist’s supervision. The data included demographics, co-morbidities, disease severity, psychological measurements, treatment response, and prognosis. The questionnaires incorporated the Anxiety and Stress Scale, along with the Impact of Event Scale-Revised, along with clinical evaluations and tests, addressed sleep disturbances, insomnia, and the psychological impact of COVID-19.Results: The study recruited 255 inpatients. A strong association between severe COVID-19 cases, exposure to the virus, and insomnia was found. Moderate to extremely severe psychiatric symptoms of anxiety, distress, and depression were more common in adults, decreasing after age 60. Although these symptoms were higher in men, there were no significant differences in the rates of insomnia, depression, anxiety, and distress between men and women (P-values: 0.33, 0.25, 0.88, and 0.88, respectively). Conclusion: There is significant psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients regarding insomnia, anxiety, depression, and distress. The psychological impact is influenced by factors such as gender, age and severity of COVID-19.