Abstract
BackgroundThe outbreak of the Corona virus is a challenge for health care systems worldwide. The aim of this study is to analyze a) knowledge about, and feelings related to the Corona-pandemic. Describe b) loneliness, depression and anxiety and, c) the perceived, immediate impact of the lockdown on frequency of social contacts and quality of health care provision of people with cognitive impairment during social distancing and lockdown in the primary care system and living at home in Germany.MethodsThis analysis is based on data of a telephone-based assessment in a convenience sample of n = 141 people with known cognitive impairment in the primary care setting. Data on e.g. cognitive and psychological status prior to the pandemic was available. Attitudes, knowledge about and perceived personal impact of the pandemic, social support, loneliness, anxiety, depression, change in the frequency of social activities due to the pandemic and perceived impact of the pandemic on health care related services were assessed during the time of lockdown.ResultsThe vast majority of participants are sufficiently informed about Corona (85%) and most think that the measures taken are appropriate (64%). A total of 11% shows one main symptom of a depression according to DSM-5. The frequency of depressive symptoms has not increased between the time before pandemic and lockdown in almost all participants. The sample shows minimal (65.0%) or low symptoms of anxiety (25%). The prevalence of loneliness is 10%. On average seven activities have decreased in frequency due to the pandemic. Social activities related to meeting people, dancing or visiting birthdays have decreased significantly. Talking with friends by phone and activities like gardening have increased. Utilization of health care services like day clinics, relief services and prescribed therapies have been reported to have worsened due to the pandemic. Visits to general practitioners decreased.ConclusionsThe study shows a small impact of the pandemic on psychological variables like depression, anxiety and loneliness in the short-term in Germany. There is a decrease in social activities as expected. The impact on health care provision is prominent. There is a need for qualitative, in-depth studies to further interpret the results.
Highlights
The outbreak of the Corona virus is a challenge for health care systems worldwide
The study shows a small impact of the pandemic on psychological variables like depression, anxiety and loneliness in the short-term in Germany
The first cases of a novel atypical pneumonia – the infection later being named COVID-19 and shown to be caused by the corona virus strain SARS-CoV-2 – were reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019; the WHO announced it officially as pandemic on March 11, 2020, after the virus had rapidly spread to numerous countries worldwide
Summary
The outbreak of the Corona virus is a challenge for health care systems worldwide. The aim of this study is to analyze a) knowledge about, and feelings related to the Corona-pandemic. The first cases of a novel atypical pneumonia – the infection later being named COVID-19 and shown to be caused by the corona virus strain SARS-CoV-2 – were reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019; the WHO announced it officially as pandemic on March 11, 2020, after the virus had rapidly spread to numerous countries worldwide. Reports had suggested that about 40% of the patients progress to severe illness within a time period of five days [2]. Scientific evidence has rapidly evolved during the last few months and is continuing to do so. It was clear from very early on that older adults and those with serious underlying medical conditions are at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. A clinical review on testing, treatment and prognosis of COVID-19 in the elderly supports the association of age and presence of comorbidities with increased severity and mortality [4]
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.
