Comparative studies between post COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 individuals to assess depression symptoms by using PHQ-9 scale

Abstract

The Corona virus has spread over the world. Those infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus experience physical, mental health issues, which might persist even after recovery. Depression is one of them. The main objective of this research is to assess the severity of depressive symptoms in between post covid and non-covid patients. The research has been conducted by using The PHQ-9 scales which is a multipurpose instrument to predict the severity of depression. The study included 25 patients: 15 post-covid patients, 10 non-covid individuals. After persuading the patients, face-to-face and online interviews are conducted. In post-covid, 14 patients had depressive symptoms, the mild depression rate was 64% and moderate depressive patients rate was 35% . In non-covid, 8 patients had depression; the mild depression rate was 75% and the moderate rate 25%. Depression levels were observed higher in number and ratio in post covid patients compared to non-covid patients.