EXAMINING THE SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM IMPACTS OF COVID-19 ON QUALITY OF LIFE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL OUTCOMES

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on public health globally, affecting people's living situations and mental health both immediately and over time. By combining quantitative and qualitative data from a sample of 100 individuals, this study used a mixed-methods approach to investigate these consequences. Some of the important areas that are analyzed in relation to COVID-19, both favorably and adversely, include mental health distress, PTSD, sleep issues, work productivity, academic success, and social support. Those who tested positive for COVID-19 had higher rates of depression (19.2 ± 5.4 vs. 13.5 ± 4.7, p = 0.002), anxiety (16.1 ± 4.5 vs. 11.2 ± 3.8, p = 0.001), and PTSD prevalence (33% vs. 14%, p = 0.002), according to the data. Furthermore, patients with COVID-19 reported lower quality of life across all domains of functioning, including social, psychological, and physical. Additionally, the sleep quality scores of infected individuals were lower (6.5 ± 1.9 vs. 5.0 ± 1.4, p = 0.002), and the main long-term COVID symptoms were depression (26%), brain fog (32%), and exhaustion (48%). Significant economic and social ramifications resulted from the major decline in labor productivity (up to 45% for the unemployed) and academic performance (42% reduction in high school students). According to the report, online counseling in particular has increased by 62% (62% rise, p = 0.001). These findings demonstrate the ongoing need for social support initiatives, healthcare policies, and psychiatric therapies to mitigate the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on mental health and well-being.