J Korean Med Sci.  2020 Jul;35(28):e255. 10.3346/jkms.2020.35.e255.

Psychological Impact of Quarantine on Caregivers at a Children's Hospital for Contact with Case of COVID-19

• Kim H
• Park KJ
• Shin YW
• Lee JS
• Chung S
• Lee T
• Kim MJ
• Jung J
• Lee J
• Yum MS
• Lee BH
• Koh KN
• Ko TS
• Lim E
• Lee JS
• Lee JY
• Choi JY
• Han HM
• Shin WA
• Lee NJ
• Kim SH
• Kim HW

• KMID: 2504366
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2020.35.e255

Abstract

Quarantine often provokes negative psychological consequences. Thus, we aimed to identify the psychological and behavioral responses and stressors of caregivers quarantined with young patients after a close contact to a coronavirus disease 2019 case at a children's hospital. More than 90% of the caregivers reported feelings of worry and nervousness, while some of them reported suicidal ideations (4.2%), and/or homicidal ideations (1.4%). Fear of infection of the patient (91.7%) and/or oneself (86.1%) were most frequently reported stressors. A multidisciplinary team including infection control team, pediatrician, psychiatrist, nursing staff and legal department provided supplies and services to reduce caregiver's psychological distress. Psychotropic medication was needed in five (6.9%), one of whom was admitted to the psychiatry department due to suicidality. Quarantine at a children's hospital makes notable psychological impacts on the caregivers and a multidisciplinary approach is required.

Keyword

Caregivers; COVID-19; Psychological Response; Stressor

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