Abstract
BackgroundAfter the emergence of the novel coronavirus disease pandemic, Saudi Arabia implemented lockdown restrictions to counter this infection and prevent its spread. There have been a lot of challenges to the majority of people, especially diabetic patients, which might result in an increased risk of developing complications and significant lifestyle changes, including physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and psychological distress.ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the impact of coronavirus disease lockdown on children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) mellitus in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis is a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study which was conducted in pediatric patients, aged ≤18 years old, with type I diabetes, who were attending the endocrine clinic at the King Fahd Hospital of the University (KFHU) in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia. A total of 250 patients were identified from the hospital databases, a total of 164 patients were included in the study, and one of the parents/guardians was interviewed through mobile phone after taking their consent.ResultsThe medication compliance during the lockdown has significantly increased as the percentage of children who did not miss any dose of medications increased to 92.7% in comparison to 70.7% before the lockdown (P=0.000). Also, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)-related intensive care unit admission had significantly decreased during the lockdown (P=0.001). Regarding the number of consumed meals, it increased from 53.7% up to 68.3% before and during the lockdown period, respectively (P=0.005). In addition, there was no significant change in children's psychological health during the lockdown period (p= 0.123).ConclusionThe study indicates that there was an increase in compliance to medications, a significant decrease in intensive care unit and emergency department admission due to hypo/hyperglycemia during the lockdown period. Medical practitioners are encouraged to educate diabetic patients regarding the importance of self-blood glucose monitoring, healthy lifestyle, psychological wellbeing, and regular follow-up through virtual clinics.
Highlights
The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become the most pressing health concern in the world today [1]
This study aims to assess the impact of coronavirus disease lockdown on children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) mellitus in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia
This study aims to assess the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on pediatric T1D patients in Al-Khobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)
Summary
The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become the most pressing health concern in the world today [1]. How to cite this article Alsalman A A, Aldossari M R, Alomani Z D, et al (January 17, 2022) Impact of Coronavirus Disease Lockdown on Children With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia. According to a screening project of T1D in KSA that was conducted from 2001 to 2007, the prevalence rate of children and adolescents with T1D is 109.5 per 100,000. It was lowest in the eastern province (48 per 100,000) and highest in the central region (126 per 100,000) [4]. After the emergence of the novel coronavirus disease pandemic, Saudi Arabia implemented lockdown restrictions to counter this infection and prevent its spread. There have been a lot of challenges to the majority of people, especially diabetic patients, which might result in an increased risk of developing complications and significant lifestyle changes, including physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and psychological distress
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