Abstract
Background and Objectives: The rapid spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become the most challenging global health pandemic since the 1918 flu. In Germany, more than 3.4 million cases are confirmed so far, including 83,000 deaths. Increased fatality rates among patients with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent this group at particular risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in health perception among patients with aortic diseases during the first (w1) and second wave (w2) of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Material and Methods: Patients (n = 262) diagnosed with aortic disease participated in telephone interviews during w1 and w2. The perception of COVID-19 as a threat was examined using relevant items of the Brief Illness Perception (BIP) questionnaire. Results: The BIP score increased from 9.18 (SD = 7.132) to 14.58 (SD = 6.956) between w1 and w2 (p < 0.001). Although this population is at high risk their overall perception of COVID-19 as a threat was low in the beginning, but surged during w2. Main reasons were increased effects on personal life and elevated concerns about the pandemic, but did not include the educational aspect of COVID-19. Conclusions: Tailored risk communication strengthens the mental health of people in a public health crisis and ensures the success of governmental guidelines.
Highlights
The initial outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was first reported inWuhan City in China in December 2019 [1]
With a steady increase in the large number of inhabitants it belonged to a high-incidence area during the COVID-19 pandemic constantly
The health perception of COVID-19 is a crucial point for the sustainable implementation of personal protective measures and the acceptance of regulatory requirements, little is known about the health perception of COVID-19 among the subpopulation of patients with aortic diseases so far
Summary
The initial outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was first reported inWuhan City in China in December 2019 [1]. The initial outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was first reported in. The virus rapidly spread to other countries worldwide as a global threat and has become the most challenging global health pandemic since the 1918 flu. 1 million, and 300,000 human deaths, respectively [3]. In February 2021, the World Health Organization confirmed over 30 million cases of COVID-19 for Europe, including nearly 800,000 deaths. The rapid spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Has become the most challenging global health pandemic since the 1918 flu. 3.4 million cases are confirmed so far, including 83,000 deaths. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in health perception among patients with aortic diseases during the first (w1) and second wave (w2) of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. The perception of COVID-19 as a threat was examined using relevant items of the Brief
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
