Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak hit also Kosovo. Experts around the globe called for research and action in mental health field. Kosovo as one Low Middle Income country in Europe adapted its responses to those recommended in other countries affected by pandemics. Some of the resources that were being implemented (e-psychotherapy) were provided and expanded for use by people in need. The aim of this study was to understand the level of depression as a result of the COVID-19 situation, possible associations with sociodemographic variables and expectations regarding the e-psychotherapy. It’s a cross-sectional study. The participants were 198 respondents recruited online in the period 20.03.20 until 23.04.20, who completed the Albanian version of PHQ-9. Mean score of depression resulted 9.46 (DS = 7.51). 65.2% of participants agreed that the situation has worsened their psychological state; 42.4% had a mild to severe form of depression and 25.3% had minimal symptoms. 18.7% of participants saw iCBT as helpful, 19.7% a little while 58.1% wanted to try it. Significantly higher depression resulted for females and participants diagnosed with depression before. The higher levels of depression correlated significantly with higher expectations of iCBT. Gender, age, education, marital status, previously diagnosed with depression, previously treated for depression and perception of worsened psychological state showed predictive abilities for depression presence. We may conclude that Covid-19 situation has increased depression levels and thus expectations for e-psychotherapy. There is a need to give more space to online treatments. Further studies are needed to better scientifically elaborate these findings.
Author Information
Naim Fanaj, Alma Mater Europaea Campus Rezonanca, Kosovo
Arlinda Cerga Pashoja, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
Sevim Mustafa, College AAB, Albania
Gentiana Qirjako, Albanian Institute of Public Health, Albania
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