Impact of mental health, fear, and social support on quality of life among patients with severe mental illness during the COVID-19 pandemic: a questionnaire survey study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess levels of anxiety, depression, stress, fear, social support, and QoL among patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder receiving treatment at a national forensic psychiatric hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2021 using a structured self-report questionnaire. Participants provided informed consent, and institutional ethical approval was obtained. Data were analyzed to examine associations among anxiety, depression, stress, fear, social support, and QoL outcomes.

RESULTS

Among the participants, 13.2% reported moderate-to-severe anxiety and 22.1% showed moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms. The average stress score was 15.63 ± 5.43, and the mean fear score was 14.13 ± 5.71, with 15.4% scoring above the clinical threshold. Perceived social support was moderate, with mean scores from healthcare providers (18.72 ± 6.43), family (18.79 ± 7.97), and friends (16.26 ± 7.46).

CONCLUSION

The findings highlight the compounded psychological burden experienced by institutionalized patients with SMIs during a pandemic. These results underscore the need for targeted nursing interventions and psychosocial support strategies within forensic psychiatric settings to improve QoL and mental well-being during public health emergencies.