AB1124 IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATIC DISEASES IN A SECOND LEVEL HOSPITAL

Abstract

BackgroundCovid-19 has generated a change in society and in people’s daily lives. Patients with rheumatic diseases have suffered physically and mentally, both due to mobility restrictions and to the impact on personal, family, work and social life that COVID-19 has brought [1-4].ObjectivesTo examine the impact of the pandemic COVID-19 on patients with rheumatic diseases.MethodsCross-sectional descriptive study in patients with rheumatic diseases. Data collection was done through an online questionnaire to assess the impact of COVID-19, adapted for this purpose and made up of 5 scales of the 9 of the Coronavirus Psychological Impact Questionnaire [3]. This instrument is divided into two parts: 1) sociodemographic variables and 2) Experience with Coronavirus(ECOVI); Preventive Behaviour Use(UCP); Fear against coronavirus Scale(EMC); Interference with the coronavirus Scale(EIC) and positive psychological aspects(EEPA).This questionnaire was accessed through a QR code (provided to all patients both in consultations and in the day hospital) by the rheumatology team for two weeks between November-December 2021. In addition, this code was sent by the nurse via WhatsApp to all patients registered in our database. Statistical analysis: SPSS 24.0 and Pearson Chi-square, T-Student and ANOVA tests.Resultsn=362 online surveys; 72% women with a mean age of 63 years ± 14.21 (22-70 years). The most frequent rheumatic diseases were Rheumatoid Arthritis (50%) and Spondyloarthritis (31%). 83.2% had only one rheumatic disease (mean 1.26 ± 0.66) and 90% self-completed survey.In experience with the Coronavirus (ECOVI), 89% patients had not had symptoms or confirmed diagnosis of coronavirus, 98% were not hospitalized, 91% had confidence in our health system; Regarding the Use of Preventive Behaviors (UCP), 98% used a mask outside the house and 78.5% kept a safe distance; In relation to the most common fears associated with the Coronavirus (EMC), 40% were a little afraid of getting infected (34% quite a bit) and 50% were almost nothing afraid of losing their job; Regarding the interference that the coronavirus has caused in these patients (EIC), 73% had not had serious work problems and 74% had not had difficulties in their studies.In reference to the positive psychological aspects (EEPA), 48% had discovered new hobbies, 19% had become more religious,83% had learned to value personal relationships more.It was significant that women were more afraid of infecting themselves or a loved one or family member and/or dying from coronavirus than men (p=0.02; p=0.011 and p=0.002 respectively). Regarding age, younger patients (45y) were more concerned that they could lose their job compared to older patients (61y), p=0.ConclusionThe COVID-19 disease has impacted patients with rheumatic diseases. In our sample, women have been more concerned about being infected and dying themselves and their closest relatives/friends, and younger people more concerned about job loss and economic income than older people. It has to be considered that the majority of this population has not been hospitalized or diagnosed with COVID-19 and also has great confidence in our health care system. More studies are necessary to examine the impact of the COVID-19 after the 6th wave of the pandemic.