The Role of Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms and Psychological Distress on Quality of Life of COVID-19 Survivors

Abstract

This study aims to examine the relationship of posttraumatic stress symptoms, psychological
distress, and quality of life in Covid-19 survivors. Participants were N=120 Corona survivors
(MA = 29.03; SD = 10), where 56.7 % were males and 43.3% were females from Lahore,
Pakistan. The sample was collected using purposive and convenience sampling technique. In
order to gather data, Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) (Lovibond & Lovibond,
1996), PTSD Checklist for DSM-5(PSL-5) (Weather et al., 2013), World Health Organizations
Quality of Life (WHOQOL) BREF (Whoqol Group, 1998) and Demographic form were
administered. Correlation research design was employed. Data was analyzed using Pearson
Product Moment Coefficient of Correlation and Multiple Linear Regression. Results indicated
moderate to severe levels of depression, anxiety and distress symptoms with significant scores of
53.3%, 56.6% and 39.1% respectively. Moreover, common symptoms reported by survivors
included fever (68.3%), dry cough (54.2%), headache (49.2%), loss of sense of smell (39.2%)
and taste (37.5%). Results revealed a significant relation between the study variables, whereas
psychological distress and post-traumatic stress symptoms significantly predicted lower quality
of life. The findings of the present study have implications for psychologists, psychiatrists,
mental health professionals and social workers the results also provide concrete bases in forming
and implementing mental health intervention policies to cope with post Covid-19 challenges
effectively. The psychological interventions and mental health strategies provide psychological
support and guidance that will contribute to mental health well-being, and improve the quality of
life and coping strategies.