A comparative study of depression and its relationship with physical health among families with and without COVID-19 patients in comprehensive health centers

Abstract Background: The prevalence of the coronavirus has had various psychological effects on families with patients suffering from COVID-19, including depression. Depression can also affect the physical health of family members. This study was conducted with the aim of comparing the level of depression and its relationship with physical health among families with and without COVID-19 patients in comprehensive health centers. Methods: This case-control study was conducted in 2022 in comprehensive health centers in Gorgan (Iran) among 98 families with and without COVID-19 patients, using simple random sampling. The data collection tools included the Beck Depression Inventory and the PHQ physical health questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and tests such as the Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-square test, and Spearman's correlation test at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The study revealed that the mean scores of depression and physical health in family members with COVID-19 patients were 11.56±7.50 and 7.60±4.32, respectively, while in families without COVID-19 patients, they were 8.01±4.67 and 3.98±3.43, respectively. The odds of depression (OR=5.11, p=0.001) and physical symptoms (OR=4.68, p=0.002) were higher in families with COVID-19 patients compared to those without. The findings also showed a direct and significant linear correlation between depression and physical health in both groups (p<0.001, r=0.44). Conclusion: These findings increase the awareness of health managers about the prevalence of depression and physical health disorders among families with COVID-19 patients and can help provide economic, social, and psychological support programs for these families.