PHQ-15 Somatic symptoms and resilience among a group of Vietnamese: A lesson learned from the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: This study aims to investigate the relationships between PHQ15-
somatic symptoms and resilience, and to explore components of resilience
among Vietnamese during the first wave of COVID-19.
Results: The bivariate statistic showed that there was a significant negative
correlation between PHQ-15 somatic symptoms and total scores of Resilience,
and its four subscales (e.g.,Self-Efficacy, Purpose in Life, Adaptation,
Resources). The result of linear regression also showed that PHQ somatic
symptoms predicted the four subscales of resilience with a statistically
significant p-value (<.001). Conversely, only Self-Efficacy and Resources were
significant predictors (p < .05). On exploring the components of resilience, the
descriptive statistical analysis showed resources (54.5%), receiving care and
support from others (20%), finding meaning in life (19.7%), finding resources
from Nature and the Creator (5.8%).
Conclusions: The findings suggest a strong significant negative association
between PHQ-15 somatic symptoms and total scores of resilience, and
resilience’s four subscales in which self-efficacy is highest. Also, the Cronbach
alpha showed high reliability of these four components of the Resilience scale
in a group of Vietnamese. This means resilience does exist in Vietnam and is
manifested in four components which may indicate protective factors against
somatic symptoms.
Methods: Willing participants completed an online survey posted on the
Vietnam University of Social Sciences and Humanity websites in August 2021.
Bivariate analysis examined demographics, somatic symptoms, and resilience
variables.