Unraveling Stress Levels in Post-Dengue Adults in a low-middle-income country.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Psychological well-being among dengue patients has often been rather unnoticed, despite evidence showing a notable proportion experience psychological distress during illness and the post-infectious period. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of stress one month after hospital discharge among adults with dengue fever in the Colombo District, Sri Lanka. METHODS: A longitudinal study was conducted in 2019 among 480 patients discharged after Dengue treatment. Participants were selected using systematic sampling and followed up one month after fever onset. Prevalence of stress was assessed using the validated Depression, Anxiety and Stress - 21. Selected correlates were assessed using a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Binomial multiple logistic regression was used for analysis. RESULTS: Of the 480 participants, 406 responded (response rate: 84.58). The majority were males (n = 244, 60.15%) and aged 18-35 years (n = 281, 69.2%). The prevalence of stress at one month post-infection was 7.9% (95% CI = 5.5 - 10.9). Significant correlates of stress included female gender (AOR = 3.24; 95% CI: 1.45-7.26), presence of headache (AOR = 3.26; 95% CI: 1.39-7.61), and myalgia (AOR = 4.16; 95% CI: 1.74-9.92) during the post-infection period. INTERPRETATION CONCLUSION: Approximately one in twelve adults experienced stress one month after Dengue infection. Post-infection symptoms such as headache and myalgia were significant predictors of stress. These findings highlight the need for routine psychological screening and targeted interventions during follow-up care for Dengue patients.