Mental health status of people isolated due to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

Mental health status of people isolated due to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

Nov 5, 2016 | Hyunsuk Jeong1, Hyeon Woo Yim1, Yeong-Jun Song2, Moran Ki2, Jung-Ah Min3, Juhee Cho4, Jeong-Ho Chae5
This study examines the mental health status of individuals isolated due to contact with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) patients in South Korea during the 2015 epidemic. The researchers evaluated anxiety symptoms and anger levels both during the isolation period and four to six months after release. Of the 1,692 individuals studied, 7.6% experienced anxiety symptoms during isolation, and 16.6% felt anger. At four to six months post-isolation, these rates decreased to 3.0% and 6.4%, respectively. Risk factors for anxiety and anger included MERS-related symptoms during isolation, inadequate supplies, social networking activities, a history of psychiatric illness, and financial loss. The study suggests that providing mental health support and accurate information, along with appropriate supplies, can help prevent mental health issues in isolated individuals.This study examines the mental health status of individuals isolated due to contact with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) patients in South Korea during the 2015 epidemic. The researchers evaluated anxiety symptoms and anger levels both during the isolation period and four to six months after release. Of the 1,692 individuals studied, 7.6% experienced anxiety symptoms during isolation, and 16.6% felt anger. At four to six months post-isolation, these rates decreased to 3.0% and 6.4%, respectively. Risk factors for anxiety and anger included MERS-related symptoms during isolation, inadequate supplies, social networking activities, a history of psychiatric illness, and financial loss. The study suggests that providing mental health support and accurate information, along with appropriate supplies, can help prevent mental health issues in isolated individuals.
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