Quality of Life and Psychological Status in Survivors of Severe Acute Repository Syndrome at 3 Months Postdischarge

Background: Little is known about the long-term consequence of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). We carried out an assessment on SARS patients after their recovery from their acute illness. Method: Postal survey comprising Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) questionnaires & anxiety & depression measures was sent to them at 3 months' postdischarge. Results: There was a significant impairment in both the HRQoL & mental functioning. Forty-one percent had scores indicative of a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); about 30% had likely anxiety & depression. Conclusion: SARS has significant impact on HRQoL & psychological status at 3 months. 7 Tables, 3 Figures, 20 References. [Copyright 2006 Elsevier Inc.]