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Introduction Prior research has highlighted the psychosocial impact of infectious diseases on individuals and the community at large. However, little is known about the psychosocial implications of COVID-19. This study set out to determine the rate as well as correlates of anxiety and depressive symptoms among persons managed as in-patients for COVID-19 in Lagos, Nigeria. Materials and methods We conducted an online survey between April to June ending 2020 using a consecutive sampling technique of persons positive for COVID-19 and who were managed as in-patients across five (5) treatment centres in Lagos, Nigeria. The survey collected information on demographic as well as clinical data including suicidality. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results There were one hundred and sixty participants in total. The mean age of respondents was 36.4 (±9.7) years with a higher proportion (56.9%) being males. With regards to diagnosis, 28.1% and 27.5% of the respondents were categorised as probable cases of depression and anxiety respectively, while 3.8% respondents reported suicidal ideation. Majority of the respondents (61.9%) reported the fear of infecting their loved ones. The variables that showed association with psychiatric morbidity were a past history of an emotional concern, employment status, guilt about infecting others and boredom. Conclusion This study revealed a high burden of psychological/psychiatric morbidity among persons treated for COVID-19, particularly persons who have had prior emotional concerns. The findings from this study reiterate the need to pay attention to the mental health of people during disease outbreaks and to incorporate psychosocial interventions as part of the management package.

Background : The COVID-19 pandemic has been described to have significant effects on the mental health and emotional well-being of people all over the world generally. This study aimed at describing the set up and functions of the psychosocial support service for the COVID-19 response in Lagos South West Nigeria.Methods: A retrospective and descriptive overview of the psychosocial support for covid-19 patients supported in Lagos, Nigeria over a four-month period. Remote interventions given included Psychological first aid, counselling, psycho pharmacology, and virtual support group sessions. Results: The Psychosocial care provided was a part of the Covid-19 outbreak response strategy in Lagos State, Nigeria. Over 43,000 support calls were made to Covid-19 positive persons; 1,316 hospitalised patients were supported remotely during isolation and more than half declined admission, opting to self-isolate at home instead. Psychosocial home care support group sessions and discharge support groups held. Liaison with all other thematic pillars of the response was key. Conclusion: A comprehensive multidisciplinary mental health and psychosocial support service is an integral part of the management strategy during the pandemic response. The Psychosocial support by the Lagos Covid-19 response presents a practical reproducible approach.