The Prevalence of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Symptoms and the Influential Factors in COVID-19 Patients in Kurdistan, Iran

BACKGROUND: Among individuals with COVID-19, fear of contamination and compulsive handwashing are recognized as common symptoms. This study was conducted with the aim to investigate the prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms among COVID-19 patients in Kurdistan, Iran, and identify potential influential factors. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,434 COVID-19 patients who were randomly selected from Tohid Hospital, a COVID-19 treatment center in Kurdistan province, between July and September 2021. Data were collected using the electronic questionnaire for the 'Maudsley Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (MOCI). The collected data were analyzed using chi-square test and logistic regression modeling in SPSS software. RESULTS: The study found that 35.8% of COVID-19 patients experienced OCD symptoms, with men showing a higher prevalence than women (P < 0.001). Patients with a lower education level were more likely to have OCD symptoms (P = 0.001). OCD symptoms were also more common among housewives or unemployed individuals (P = 0.002) and patients who paid more attention to their hygiene (P = 0.001). The study found no significant correlations between OCD symptoms and age, economic status, marital status, family history of COVID-19, history of hospitalization, and having or not having children (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study indicates that the prevalence of OCD symptoms among COVID-19 patients in Kurdistan, Iran is relatively high. Therefore, clinicians should provide specialized care to patients to address their psychological well-being along with treating COVID-19 symptoms.