A survey on psychological effects following administration of the first dose of COVID-19 (Oxford-AstraZeneca-Covishield) vaccine in Sri Lanka: experience among the medical community

Authors

  • Warnakula Weerasooriya Jayathilaka Sashka Madushi Rowel Department of Psychiatry, Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health, Sri Lanka
  • Kodithuwakku Arachchilage Sajith Uditha Asanka Kodithuwakku Department of Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka
  • Jayawardhana Mudiyanselage Pradeepa Sanjeewa Department of Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20211962

Keywords:

Oxford-AstraZeneca-Covishield vaccine, Psychological symptoms, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Background: Research on psychoimmunology has demonstrated a bidirectional relationship between the immune system and the brain. Although the evidence is conflicting, few studies are suggesting a temporal association between neuropsychiatric disorders and some vaccines. However, research is scarce in this area. We observed that some recipients experienced various transient psychological symptoms in addition to physical symptoms following administration of the first dose of Oxford-AstraZeneca-Covishield vaccine in Sri Lanka. The objective of this survey was to assess the nature, associations and duration of the psychological symptoms observed following the vaccine.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among the medical community in the age range of 25-63 years, who received the first dose of the vaccine. The questionnaire inquired demographic details, physical symptoms, psychological symptoms, duration of symptoms and their view on taking the second dose and recommending it to family or friends.

Results: The majority (94.6%) of the participants had experienced some form of a physical symptom and 85.2% experienced at least one psychological symptom. Those who had fever experienced a higher rate of psychological symptoms compared to those who hadn’t. However, this difference was not significant. The majority developed symptoms after 12 hours of receiving the vaccine and the symptoms lasted for less than 48 hours.

Conclusions: Notable rates of psychological symptoms were observed in recipients of the first dose of Oxford-AstraZeneca-Covishield vaccine. However, these symptoms were self-limiting. Further studies are needed to ascertain if these observations are significant.

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Author Biographies

Warnakula Weerasooriya Jayathilaka Sashka Madushi Rowel, Department of Psychiatry, Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health, Sri Lanka

Senior Registrar in Psychiatry, Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health, Australia.

Senior Registrar in Psychiatry, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka.

Kodithuwakku Arachchilage Sajith Uditha Asanka Kodithuwakku, Department of Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka

Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist,Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka.

Jayawardhana Mudiyanselage Pradeepa Sanjeewa, Department of Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka

Acting Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka. 

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Published

2021-05-25

How to Cite

Rowel, W. W. J. S. M., Asanka Kodithuwakku, K. A. S. U., & Sanjeewa, J. M. P. (2021). A survey on psychological effects following administration of the first dose of COVID-19 (Oxford-AstraZeneca-Covishield) vaccine in Sri Lanka: experience among the medical community. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 8(6), 2625–2629. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20211962

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Original Research Articles