Knowledge, Risk Perception, Precautionary Behavior and Level of Worry towards the 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) among Psychiatric Outpatients

Abstract

Objective: To identify level of worry towards COVID-19, and related factors among psychiatric outpatients.
Methods:A cross-sectional study surveyed psychiatric outpatients at Songklanagarind Hospital; from May to June, 2020. The questionnaires composed of; 1) Demographic inquiry 2) COVID-19 knowledge 3) COVID-19 risk perception 4) COVID-19 precautionary behaviors. 5) Level of worry towards COVID-19. All data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and associated factors as to the level of worry towards COVID-19 were analyzed by chi-square and logistic regression.
Results: There were 400 participants; neurosis (60.0%), and non-neurosis (40.0%). The majority of participants were female (62.0%), with a mean age of; 44.5±14.6 years. Almost all participants reported a good score of COVID-19 knowledge (91.8%), and having good precautionary behavior towards COVID-19 (97.5%). Majority of participants had a low risk perception (54.2%) and a low level of worry towards COVID-19 (67.0%). Generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder participants were the 1^st and 2^nd group who had a high to moderate level of worry towards COVID-19. Aside from, from the multivariate analysis, this study indicated income, psychiatric disorders and risk perception towards COVID-19 were statistically significant associated factors related to levels of worry.
Conclusion: Most psychiatric outpatients had good knowledge, good precautionary behaviors and a low level of worry towards COVID-19; with associated factors to level of worry being income, risk perception and being diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. However, major depressive disorder patients should also be concerned.