SARS Control and Psychological Effects of Quarantine, Toronto, Canada

Abstract

As a transmissible infectious disease, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was successfully contained globally by instituting widespread quarantine measures. Although these measures were successful in terminating the outbreak in all areas of the world, the adverse effects of quarantine have not previously been determined in a systematic manner. In this hypothesis-generating study supported by a convenience sample drawn in close temporal proximity to the period of quarantine, we examined the psychological effects of quarantine on persons in Toronto, Canada. The 129 quarantined persons who responded to a Web-based survey exhibited a high prevalence of psychological distress. Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression were observed in 28.9% and 31.2% of respondents, respectively. Longer durations of quarantine were associated with an increased prevalence of PTSD symptoms. Acquaintance with or direct exposure to someone with a diagnosis of SARS was also associated with PTSD and depressive symptoms.

Keywords

QuarantineOutbreakDepression (economics)MedicineCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)PsychiatryDistressPsychological distressSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Infectious disease (medical specialty)DiseaseDemographyMental healthClinical psychologyVirologyInternal medicinePathology

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Publication Info

Year: 2004
Type: article
Volume: 10
Issue: 7
Pages: 1206-1212
Citations: 1991
Access: Closed

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APA Style

                            
                                
                                    Laura Hawryluck, 
                                
                                    Wayne L. Gold, 
                                
                                    Susan Robinson
                                
                                et al.
                            
                            (2004). 
                            SARS Control and Psychological Effects of Quarantine, Toronto, Canada. 
                            Emerging infectious diseases
                            , 10
                            (7)
                            , 1206-1212.
                            https://doi.org/10.3201/eid1007.030703
                        

Identifiers

DOI: 10.3201/eid1007.030703