Prevalence and correlates of fatigue and its association with quality of life among clinically stable older psychiatric patients during the COVID-19 outbreak: a cross-sectional study

Global Health. 2020 Dec 18;16(1):119. doi: 10.1186/s12992-020-00644-6.

Abstract

Background: The pattern of fatigue in older psychiatric patients during the COVID-19 outbreak was unknown. This study examined the prevalence of fatigue and its association with overall quality of life (overall QOL) in clinically stable older patients with psychiatric disorders during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Methods: This was a multicenter, cross-sectional study. Fatigue, depressive symptoms, pain, insomnia symptoms, and overall QOL were assessed with standardized instruments.

Results: A total of 1063 patients were recruited. The prevalence of fatigue was 47.1% (95%CI: 44.1-50.1%). An analysis of covariance revealed that overall QOL was significantly lower in patients with fatigue compared to those without (P = 0.011). A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that more severe depressive symptoms (OR = 1.15, P < 0.001), insomnia symptoms (OR = 1.08, P < 0.001) and pain (OR = 1.43, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with fatigue.

Conclusions: Fatigue is common among clinically stable older patients with psychiatric disorders during the COVID-19 outbreak. Considering its negative impact on overall QOL, regular assessment of fatigue and appropriate treatment warrant attention in this subpopulation.

Keywords: COVID-19; Fatigue; Older psychiatric patients; Quality of life.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • COVID-19 / complications*
  • COVID-19 / epidemiology
  • COVID-19 / psychology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Depression / complications
  • Depression / epidemiology
  • Depressive Disorder / complications
  • Depressive Disorder / epidemiology
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Fatigue / complications*
  • Fatigue / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / complications*
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain / complications*
  • Pain / epidemiology
  • Prevalence
  • Quality of Life*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Severity of Illness Index*
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / complications*
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / epidemiology
  • Social Isolation / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires