Background: The SARS-CoV-2 virus began spreading worldwide in 2019. This new pandemic was a challenge to public health measures worldwide. Coronavirus disease affects physical health, mental well-being, and way of life. The disease itself, the isolation measures, and the economic impact interplayed in worsening the situation. Psychosocial and mental health factors should not be overlooked to improve care for patients.

Objective: To explore the demographic, clinical, and social characteristics of COVID-19 patients who underwent home isolation treatment. The authors also investigated the prevalence of mental health problems, which are depression, anxiety, problematic alcohol use, nicotine use, and other substance use.

Materials and Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional descriptive study that includes 150 patients with COVID-19 infection treated at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital (KCMH). One hundred and twenty-two of them received home-isolation treatment, and 38 were admitted to the field hospital, where they were later isolated at home. Demographic data, psychosocial factors, substance use habits, clinical characteristics, and adherence to the isolation policy were collected. The authors conducted screenings for mental health problems at that time through psychiatric interviews carried out by either psychiatrists or psychiatric residents.

Results: The prevalence of mental health problem among home-isolated patients for COVID-19 infection was 20%. The prevalence of anxiety and depression were 4% and 2.7%, respectively. In terms of substance use, 12% of the participants were active smokers, and 5.3% had problematic alcohol use. The participants who underwent home isolation procedures were more likely to have limited space for isolation at home. However, they had adequate and appropriate individual knowledge and basic social support during the quarantine.

Conclusion: Mental health problems should be addressed during COVID-19 pandemic, in which substance use was the most prominent problem. Most residences in Bangkok had limited separate spaces for home isolation. However, the social support was adequate in facilitating their daily routine at home during home isolation. 

Received 25 January 2024 | Revised 17 April 2024 | Accepted 19 April 2024

DOI: 10.35755/jmedassocthai.2024.6.13992