POS1190 IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATIC AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASES: DISRUPTIONS IN CARE AND SELF-REPORTED OUTCOMES

Abstract

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic represents a challenge to the care of patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs).ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the care of RMD patients, their health and wellbeing.MethodsThis cross-sectional study involved 120 RMDs patients at the rheumatology department at Suez Canal University Hospital in Ismailia, Egypt. Patients were interviewed for sociodemographic and disease-related history. Further assessments were performed using Kessler 6-items (1), Fear of COVID-19 scale (2), and COVID-19–Impact on Quality-of-Life scale (3).ResultsPatients with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus made up most of our sample (72.5%, 19.2% respectively). About 50% of patients were experiencing limitation in the access to rheumatologic care, and a similar percentage had changed or discontinued their medications. DMARDs shortage and concerns about the increased risk of COVID-19 infection because of immunosuppressive drugs were the most frequently reported reasons for non-adherence to medication. The percentage of patients with uncontrolled disease had significantly increased from 8.3% prior to the COVID-19 pandemic to 20% during the pandemic. Patients perceived their overall quality of life as average (4.93 on a rating scale from 0 to 10). The Fear of COVID-19 score ranged from 7 to 35 with a mean of 26 (±7.6), while the COV19–Impact on Quality of Life score ranged from 6 to 30 points with a mean of 22.6 (±6.7). About 60% of patients reported a high level of psychological distress.ConclusionThe pandemic negatively influenced the mental health, quality of life, adherence to medications, access to rheumatology care, and disease control of RMDs patients.