The Correlation between Pandemic Covid-19 Stress Level and Frequency of Relapse in Coronary Heart Disease Patients

Abstract

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome of coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as the cause of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has caused global pandemic around the world. Patients who have coronary heart disease have been identified as highly vulnerable with increased morbidity and mortality while suffering from COVID-19. In addition, patients with coronary heart disease are also suffering with clinically significant stress. Stress can cause the body to release hormones that will make heart to beat faster. Aim: This study aims to determine the relationship between the stress level of COVID-19 pandemic and frequency of relapse in patients with coronary heart disease.Methodology: The design of this study was cross-sectional which involved accidental sampling technique with descriptive analytic method, using Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) instrument as independent variable and one-question questionnaire as dependent variable. The study was conducted at Indonesian Red Cross Hospital in Bogor City with a total sample of 33 coronary heart disease patients. The data analysis techniques used were univariate and bivariate with Kendall’s Tau statistical test.Result: Out of 33 participants, 28 (84.8.8%) had moderate COVID-19 pandemic stress levels and 17 (51.5%) experienced moderate relapse frequency.Conclusion: There was a relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic stress level and the frequency of relapse in coronary heart disease patients.