Understanding, compliance and psychological impact of the SARS quarantine experience.
This study examines a cohort of persons quarantined during the 2003 SARS outbreak in Canada and describes their understanding of, difficulties and compliance with, and the psychological impact of the quarantine experience. A mailed questionnaire was administered to 1912 eligible adults and included the Impact of Events Scale - Revised (IES-R) to assess symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Self-reported compliance with all required quarantine measures was low (15.8+/-2.3%), although significantly higher when the rationale for quarantine was understood (P=0.018). Health-care workers (HCW) experienced greater psychological distress, including symptoms of PTSD (P<0.001). Increasing perceived difficulty with compliance, HCW, longer quarantine and compliance with quarantine requirements were significant contributors to higher IES-R scores. The low compliance with quarantine requirements introduces concerns about the effectiveness of quarantine as a public health measure. Improvements in compliance and reduced psychological distress may be possible by minimizing duration, revising requirements, and providing enhanced education and support.
Reynolds
D L
DL
Clinical Development, Sanofi Pasteur, Connaught Campus, Toronto, ON, Canada. donna.reynolds@sanofipasteur.com
Garay
J R
JR
Deamond
S L
SL
Moran
M K
MK
Gold
W
W
Styra
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D032882:Comprehension; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011790:Quarantine / Q000523:psychology*; D045169:Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires