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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced signifcant changes in the workplace, implementing teleworking as an effective solution to reduce contagion Objectives: We sought to explore the impact of working from home on people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) in Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: REUMAVID is an international cross-sectional study collecting data through an online survey in seven European countries led by the Health & Territory Research group of the University of Seville, together with a multidisciplinary team including patient representatives, rheumatologists, and health researchers. Data were collected in two phases, the frst (P1) between April-July 2020 and the second (P2) between February-April 2021. Demographics, health behaviors, employment status, access to healthcare services, disease characteristics, WHO-5 Well-Being Index and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were collected. Workplace conditions including internet connection, computer, workstation, webcam, telephone, light, noise, calmness, and temperature were assessed (on a scale of 0 to 5, being 5 the best condition). Pearson's Chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney test were used to explore association with working from home. Results: There were a total of 3,802 participants across both phases (mean age 52.6 (P1) vs. 55.0 years (P2);80.2% female (P1) vs 83.7% (P2);69.6% married (P1) vs 68.3% (P2), 48.6% university educated (P1) vs 47.8% (P2), 34.7% employed (P1) vs 38.1 (P2)). Most prevalent RMD was axial spondyloarthritis in P1 (37.2%), and rheumatoid arthritis in P2 (53.1%). Rates of working from home were consistent (P1: 39.8% vs P2: 39.9%). In P2, 37.4% of those working from home had a home office, while 38.5% worked from their living room or kitchen. Work-related aspects at home were assessed, with the worst rated being the workplace (3.2) and the best being the computer (4.0). Compared to patients with good well-being and without anxiety and depression, patients with poorer well-being and at higher risk of anxiety or depression reported more frequently poorer rating of work from home issues, such as workplace (3.0 vs. 3.5;2.9 vs. 3.6;2.9 vs. 3.4;p<0.001), light (3.6 vs. 4.0;3.6 vs. 4.0;3.5 vs. 4.0;p<0.001), noise (3.3 vs. 3.8;3.2 vs. 3.9;3.2 vs. 3.8;p<0.001) and calmness (3.3 vs. 4.0;3.2 vs. 3.9;3.1 vs. 3.9;p<0.001;Table 1). Conclusion: Patients with poorer well-being, at higher risk of anxiety or depression reported poorer ratings of workspace-related aspects. Therefore, although work from home has helped to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the conditions under which RMD patients work from home must be considered, as these may affect the well-being and mental health of an already vulnerable group. It is necessary to assess the conditions of home-based workspaces-especially for workers with chronic diseases such as RMD patients-to ensure that it is feasible to work from home and that employers provide the necessary equipment for healthy work.
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Background: The beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a collapse of healthcare systems that was difficult to manage. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on RMD patients' healthcare utilization. Methods: REUMAVID is an international cross-sectional study collecting data through an online survey on RMD in seven European countries led by the Health & Territory Research group of the University of Seville, together with a multidisciplinary team including patient representatives, rheumatolo-gists, and health researchers. Data were collected in two phases, the frst (P1) between April-July 2020 and the second (P2) between February-April 2021. Demographics, health behaviours, employment status, access to healthcare services, disease characteristics, WHO-5 Well-Being Index and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were collected in the survey. Healthcare utilization includes scheduled appointments and attendance at the rheumatol-ogist, consultation of possible treatment effects if COVID-19 is contracted with the rheumatologist, primary health care and psychological care. Descriptive analysis and Mann-Whitney test was used to explore association with healthcare utilization in both phases of REUMAVID. Results: There were a total of 2,002 participants across both phases with comparable demographic characteristics [mean age 52.6 (P1) vs. 55.0 years (P2);80.2% female (P1) vs 83.7% (P2);69.6% married (P1) vs 68.3% (P2), 48.6% university educated (P1) vs 47.8% (P2)]. Most prevalent RMD was axial spondyloarthritis in P1 (37.2%), and rheumatoid arthritis in P2 (53.1%). Only 39.2% could have a scheduled appointment with their rheumatologist during P1, compared to 72.5% of patients in P2 (p<0.001). In this sense, only 41.6% of participants in the P1 attended such an appointment while in P2 this figure was 61.5% (p<0.001). The majority of patients (83%) had their scheduled face-to-face appointment changed to an online or telephone phone in the P2, although this proportion was lower in the P1 (54.4%). The most frequent reason for canceling the face-to-face appointment was the alternative of making it by phone or online (54.4% in P1 vs. 83.0% in P2, p<0.001). Although, in P1, 38.1% of participants could contact with their rheumatolo-gist by phone or online, this proportion was 64.3% in P2 (p<0.001). In P1, 64.0% of patients were able to consult with their rheumatologist about the possible effects of treatment in case of contracting COVID-19 (vs. 41.2% in P2;p<0.001). With respect to general practitioners, 57.6% of patients in P1 declared to had accessed primary care or general practitioner (vs. 77.5% in P2;p<0.001). Furthermore, in P2, a higher proportion of participants (63.2%) were able to continue their psychological or psychiatric therapy either online or by phone (vs. 48.3% in P1;p<0.001;Figure 1) Conclusion: During the frst year of COVID-19 pandemic, RMD patients had easier access to the healthcare system, specifcally to their rheumatologist. This access was improved through phone and online care. In addition, access to primary care as well as psychological care improved during the second year of pandemic.
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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has generated uncertainties and concerns along with expectations and hopes that may be of relevance to patients with rheumatic diseases. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess changes in the fears and hopes of patients with rheumatic diseases throughout the two phases of REUMAVID. Methods: REUMAVID is an international cross-sectional study collecting data through an online survey in seven European countries led by the Health & Territory Research group of the University of Seville, together with a multidisciplinary team including patient representatives, rheumatologists, and health researchers. Data were collected in two phases: Phase 1 (P1) between April-July 2020 and Phase 2 (P2) between February-April 2021. Demographics, health behaviours, employment status, access to healthcare services, disease characteristics, WHO-5 Well-Being Index and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Participants rated a series of fears (infection, medication consequences, lack of medication, impact on healthcare, lost job, civil disorder) on a scale from zero ('no concern at all') to five ('extremely concerned') and hopes (treatment/vaccine availability, going outside, travel, economic situation, treatment continuation, health status) on a scale from zero ('no hopeful at all') to five ('extremely hopeful'). Descriptive analysis and Mann-Whitney test were used to explore fears and hopes in both phases of REUMAVID. Results: A total of 3,802 participants were recruited across both phases in REU-MAVID with comparable demographic characteristics: mean age 52.6 (P1) vs. 55.0 years (P2), 80.2% female (P1) vs. 83.7% (P2), 69.6% married (P1) vs. 68.3% (P2), and 48.6% university educated (P1) vs. 47.8% (P2). Most prevalent RMD was axial spondyloarthritis in P1 (37.2%), and rheumatoid arthritis in P2 (53.1%). In P1 and P2 the major concern was the impact on healthcare in the future (3.1 and 3.2 out of 5, p=0.051). Compared to P1, patients in P2 had less fears about RMD medications not reaching the country (2.4 vs. 1.9, p<0.001), civil disorders (2.0 vs. 1.8, p=0.001), or losing their jobs (1.4 vs. 1.5, p=0.003). Comparing hopes with P1, patients in P2 had greater hopes about availability of treatments or vaccines suitable for COVID-19 (3.2 vs. 3.9, p<0.001), to be able to go out as before the pandemic (3.1 vs. 3.5, p<0.001), to be able to travel as before the pandemic (2.8 vs. 3.3, p<0.001), maintain and even improve the current economic situation after the pandemic (2.6 vs. 3.0, p<0.001), and to be able to continue their treatment as usual (3.8 vs. 3.8, p=0.049;Table 1) Conclusion: During the frst phase of REUMAVID at the beginning of the pandemic, patients with RMDs were more fearful and less hopeful compared to the second phase. These fears were notable in terms of lack of medication for their RMD, while during the second phase, patients were hopeful of a treatment or vaccine against COVID-19, and of being able to go out and travel as before.
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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted health, lifestyle, treatment and healthcare of European patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). Objectives: The aim is to evaluate gender differences on the impact of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the wellbeing, life habits, treatment, and healthcare access of European patients with RMDs. Methods: REUMAVID is an international collaboration led by the Health & Territory Research at the University of Seville, together with a multidisciplinary team including patient organisations and rheumatologists. This cross-sectional study consisting of an online survey gathering data from 1,800 patients with a diagnosis of 15 RMDs, recruited by patient organisations in Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom during the first phase of the pandemic (April-July 2020). Mann-Whitney and χ2 tests were used to analyse differences between gender regarding sociodemographic characteristics, life style, treatment, healthcare, and patient-reported outcomes. Results: 1,797 patients were included in this analysis. 80.2% were female and a mean age of 52.6 years. The most common diagnosis was inflammatory arthritis (81.7% male vs 73.8% female). There was a higher prevalence of fibromyalgia among females (20% vs 7.0% male). Overall, females reported worse self-perceived health (67.0% vs 51.4%, p<0.001), higher risk of anxiety (59.5% vs 48.1%, p<0.001), and depression (48.0% vs 37.2%, p<0.001). Females reported a greater increase in smoking (26.5% vs 17.5%, p=0.001), although they were less likely to drink alcohol (34.5% vs 25.4%, p=0.013), and also engaged less in physical activity (53.0% vs 60.3%, p=0.045). Overall, females were more likely to keep their scheduled rheumatology appointment (43.3% vs 34.1% of males (p=0.049;Table 1) with a higher proportion of females having their rheumatic treatment changed (17.0% vs 10.7%, p=0.005). Conclusion: The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and the containment measures have worsened self-perceived health status of patients with RMDs, affecting genders differently. Females reported worse psychological health and life habits such as increased smoking and reduced physical activity, while males increased their alcohol consumption and were less likely to attend their rheumatology appointments.
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Background: The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a rapidly evolving global crisis characterized by major uncertainty. Objectives: The objective is to assess COVID-19-related fears and hopes in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) during the first wave of the pandemic. Methods: REUMAVID is an international collaboration led by the Health & Territory Research group at the University of Seville, together with a multidisciplinary team including patient organisations and rheumatologists. This cross-sectional study consisting of an online survey gathering data from 1,800 patients with a diagnosis of 15 RMDs recruited by patient organisations in Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain and, the United Kingdom. Data are collected in two phases, the first phase between April and July 2020, the second in 2021. Participants rated a series of fears (infection, medication consequences, lack of medication, impact on healthcare, job loss, civil disorder) on a Likert scale from zero (no concern at all) to five (extremely concerned) and their hopes (treatment/vaccine availability, going outside, travel, economic situation, treatment continuation, health status) on a Likert scale from zero (not hopeful at all) to five (extremely hopeful). The Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to analyse the different fears and hopes according to socio-demographics characteristics, disease and health status. Results: 1,800 patients participated in the first phase of REUMAVID. The most frequent RMDs group was inflammatory arthritis (75.4%), the mean age was 52.6 years and 80.1% were female. The most important fear for patients was the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare (3.1 out of 5), particularly for those younger in age (3.0 vs 3.2, p=0.004), female gender (3.2 vs 2. 9 of men, p=0.003), experiencing greater pain (3.1 vs 2.8, p=0.007), with higher risk of anxiety (3.3 vs 2.9 of without anxiety, p<0.001) and depression (3.3 vs 2.9 without depression, p<0.001). The possible impact of anti-rheumatic medication and the development of severe disease if they became infected with COVID-19,was mostly feared (2.8 out of 5), by those receiving biological therapy (3.1 vs 2.5 not biological therapy, p<0.001) or those with underlying anxiety (2.9 vs 2.6 without anxiety, p=0.007). The risk of contracting COVID-19 due to their condition (2.8 out of 5), was especially feared by those with vasculitis (3.2 out of 5), who were female (2.9 vs 2.5, p<0.001), using biologics (2. 9 vs 2.7 of no use, p=0.003), in greater pain (2.8 vs 2.4, p<0.001), with a risk of anxiety (3.0 vs 2.6 without anxiety, p=0.004), and risk of depression (3.0 vs 2.6 without depression, p<0.001). The major hopes were to be able to continue with their treatment as usual (3.7 out of 5), particularly for those taking biologics (3.8 vs 3.6 not taking, p=0.026), those with a better well-being (3.8 vs 3.6 with worse well-being, p=0.021), without anxiety (3.8 vs 3.6 at risk, p=0.004) and without depression (3.8 vs 3.6 at risk, p=0.007). Hoping not to become infected with COVID-19 and to maintain the same health status, were especially those who were older (3.6 vs 3.4 p=0.018) without anxiety (3.4 vs 3.6 at risk, p=0.005), and without depression (3.6 vs 3.4 at risk, p=0.006). Another important hope was the availability of a treatment or vaccine for COVID-19, which was important for patients experiencing better well-being (3.3 vs 3.0 with worse well-being, p<0.001;Figure 1). Conclusion: The outstanding COVID-19-related fear expressed by European patients with RMDs was its impact on healthcare, while the greatest hope was to be able to continue treatment. Younger patients reported more fears while older patients were more hopeful. Those receiving biologics had greater fears and hopes associated with their treatment. In addition, patients at risk of mental disorders presented greater fears and less hopes.
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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the wellbeing of patients with Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (RMDs). Objectives: The aim is to assess emotional well-being and its associated factors in patients with RMDs during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: REUMAVID is an international collaboration led by the Health & Territory Research group at the University of Seville, together with a multidisciplinary team including patient organisations and rheumatologists. This cross-sectional study consisting of an online survey gathering data from patients with a diagnosis of 15 RMDs in Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom. 1,800 participants were recruited by patient organisations. Data was collected between April and July 2020. Participants were divided into two groups: 1) Participants with poor wellbeing (World Health Organization-Five Wellbeing Index (WHO-5) ≤ 50), 2) Participants with good wellbeing (WHO-5 ≥50). The Mann-Whitney and χ2 tests were used to analyse possible relations between sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, and outdoor contact with wellbeing during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression was used to determine the impact of the independent variables associated with poor wellbeing. Results: 1,777 patients with 15 different RMDs were included. The mean age was 52.7, 80.2% female, 48.7% had a university degree, and 69.7% were married or in a relationship. The most frequent diagnoses were inflammatory arthritis (75.4%). 49.0% reported poor wellbeing. 57.7% of patients who belonged to a patient organisation reported good wellbeing (vs 46.3% who did not, p<0.001). Those who reported poor wellbeing had higher disease activity (51.4% vs 41.3%, p<0.001), a higher risk of anxiety (54.3% vs 41.7%, p<0.001) and depression (57.0% vs 42.1%, p<0.001), and poorer self-perceived health (53.0% vs 41.8%, p<0.001), compared to those who did not. A higher proportion of those who engaged in physical activity presented good wellbeing (54.0% vs 46.5%, p=0.012). 57.4% of the patients who were unable to attend their appointment with their rheumatologist reported poor wellbeing, compared to 48.2% who did attend (p=0.027). Patients who did not walk outside (56.2%) or who lacked elements in their home to facilitate outside contact (63.3%) experienced poor wellbeing (p<0.001). The factors associated with poor wellbeing were lack of elements in the home enabling contact with the outside world (OR=2.10), not belonging to a patient organisation (OR=1.51), risk of depression (OR=1.49), and not walking outside (OR=1.36) during the COVID-19 pandemic (Table 1). Conclusion: Almost half of the patients with RMDs reported poor emotional wellbeing during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The lack of elements in the home that facilitate outdoor contact, not belonging to a patient organisation, the presence of anxiety, and not walking outside during the pandemic increase the probability of poor emotional well-being. These results highlight the importance of environmental factors and the role of patient organisations in addressing the effects of the pandemic and its containment measures.
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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every aspect of life of European patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). Objectives: The aim is to evaluate country differences on the impact of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on life habits, healthcare access, health status, mental health and wellbeing in European patients with RMDs. Methods: REUMAVID is an international collaboration led by the Health & Territory Research group at the University of Seville, together with a multidisciplinary team including patient organisations and rheumatologists. This cross-sectional study consisting of an online survey gathering data from patients with a diagnosis of 15 RMDs in Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Participants were recruited by patient organisations (April-July 2020). The Kruskal-Wallis and χ2 tests were used to analyse differences between countries and independent variables. Results: 1,800 patients participated in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (REUMAVID). 37.8% of Spanish patients increased their smoking consumption during the pandemic followed by Cyprus (32.1%) and Portugal (31.0%), while alcohol consumption was higher in the UK (36.3%) and France (27.0%). 82.3% of patients in Spain unable to attend their appointment with their rheumatologist, either due to cancellations or other personal reasons. Access to primary care was most limited in Portugal and Italy, where only 45.0% and 51.6% got access. 61.9% in Italy and 53.3% in Spain experienced a worsening of their health during the pandemic. 68.5% in Spain and 67.8% in Portugal were at risk of anxiety. The highest proportion at risk of depression was found in Greece (55.4%), Cyprus (55.1%), and Italy (54.8%). 66.9% of patients in Spain reported poor wellbeing, compared to 23.8% in Italy and 30.1% in Portugal (Table 1). Conclusion: The first wave of the pandemic and the related containment measures heterogeneously affected patients with RMDs across European countries, who overall increased harmful habits, experienced more difficulties in accessing healthcare and, reported poor mental health and well-being.
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Background: Evidence on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the overall health and functioning in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is scarce. Objectives: To analyse the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the overall health and functioning in patients with axSpA. Methods: Data from axSpA patients participating in the first phase of the REUMAVID study were analysed. REUMAVID is a cross-sectional, observational study collecting data through an online questionnaire of unselected patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs), recruited by patient organizations. The survey was disseminated during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic (April-July 2020) in seven European countries (Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom). Patients with axSpA who completed the ASAS health index (ASAS-HI) questionnaire were included in this analysis. Descriptive analyses were used to present socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as daily habits. Overall health and functioning were defined according to the ASAS-HI (0-17), as follows: good health (ASAS-HI ≤5), acceptable health (ASAS-HI 6-11), and poor health (ASAS-HI ≥12). As secondary outcomes, well-being (WHO-5), self-perceived health status, and HADS for anxiety and depression were assessed. Results: Out of 670 axSpA patients, 587 (87.6%) completed ASAS-HI. Of these, 70.4% were female, 72.6% were married or in a relationship, 46.7% had university studies and 37.6% were currently employed. Mean age was 49.9±12.8 years and mean BMI was 26.7±5.5. Regarding extraarticular manifestations, 13.6% had psoriasis, 12.1% inflammatory bowel disease and 18.7% uveitis. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, 50.9% were receiving biological drugs, 46.3% NSAIDs, 26.4% painkillers, 24.7% conventional DMARDs, and 11.9% oral corticosteroids. According to the ASAS-HI, 19.6 % of patients were classified as having poor health, with the most affected aspects being pain (92.0%), movement (86.5%), maintenance of body position (80.6%), energy (79.0%) and sleep (75.3%). Regarding self-perceived health status, 14% reported their health status as bad or very bad, and 46.8% reported worsening health during the pandemic (Table 1). A distribution of the results of the total ASAS-HI scores can be seen in Figure 1. Conclusion: One out of five patients with axSpA reported poor health and functioning according to the ASAS-HI, and almost half of patients reported worsening self-perceived health status during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented public health crisis affecting people worldwide, including those with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). Objectives: REUMAVID aims to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on the wellbeing, mental health, disease activity and function, access to health care and treatment, support services, and hopes and fears of people RMDs. Methods: REUMAVID is an international collaboration led by the Health & Territory Research group at University of Seville, Spain, together with a multidisciplinary team including patient organization and rheumatologists. This cross-sectional study consisting of an online survey gathering data from patients with a diagnosis of 15 RMDs in Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom. Participants are recruited by patient organizations. Data is collected in two phases: 1) during the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic (Spring 2020), and 2) as a follow-up to the pandemic (Winter 2020). This analysis presents descriptive results of the aggregated data, summarizing continuous and categorical variables. Results: A total of 1,800 RMD patients have participated in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (from early April to mid-June 2020). The most frequent reported diagnosis were axial spondyloarthritis (37.2%), rheumatoid arthritis (29.2%) and osteoarthritis (17.2%). Mean age was 52.6±13.2, 80.1% were female, 69.6% were in a relationship or married and 48.6% had university studies. In total, 1.1% had tested positive for COVID-19, 10.8 % reported symptoms but were not tested, while 88.1% did not experience any symptoms. 46.6% reported worsening health during the pandemic. 63.9% perceived their health status to be “fair to very bad”. Access to care was limited with 58.4% being unable to keep the rheumatologist appointment, of which, 35.2% were cancelled by the provider and 54.4% was attended by phone or online. 15.8% changed their medication, for which 65.5% were changed by the provider and 24.6% by own decision. Reported wellbeing and psychological health during the pandemic was poor, with 49.0% reporting poor wellbeing according to the WHO-5 scale, 57.3% marking as anxiety and 45.8% as depression in the HADS scale. During the pandemic, 24.6% smoked and 18.2% drank more than before and 54.5% were unable to exercise at home. Conclusion: Results from the first phase of REUMAVID show disturbance of the healthcare quality, substantial changes in harmful health behaviors and an unprecedented impairment of mental health in REUMAVID participants. REUMAVID will continue to collect information in order to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in people affected by RMDs across Europe. Acknowledgements: This study was supported by Novartis Pharma AG. We would like to thank all patients that completed the survey as well as all of the patient organisations that participated in the REUMAVID study including: the Cyprus League Against Rheumatism (CYPLAR) from Cyprus, the Association Fraņaise De Lutte Anti-Rhumatismale (AFLAR) from France, the Hellenic League Against Rheumatism (ELEANA) from Greece, the Associazione Nazionale Persone con Malattie Reumatologiche e Rare (APMARR) from Italy, the Portuguese League Against Rheumatic Diseases (LPCDR), from Portugal, the Spanish Federation of Spondyloarthritis Associations, the Spanish Patients' Forum (FEP), UNiMiD, Spanish Rheumatology League (LIRE), Andalusian Rheumatology League (LIRA), Catalonia Rheumatology League and Galician Rheumatology League from Spain, and the National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS), National Rheumatoid Arthritis (NRAS) and Arthritis Action from the United Kingdom.
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Background/AimsThis study presents the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare, access to treatment, daily activities, well-being and mental health and the role of patient organisations from the perspective of the patientwith rheumatic disease in the UK.MethodsREUMAVID is an international collaboration led by HTR of the University ofSeville, together with a multidisciplinary team of rheumatologists andpatient organisations from 7 European countries (in the UK: NASS, NRASand Arthritis Action). The study consists of an online survey, including thefollowing instruments: Self-Perceived Health, WHO-5 Well-Being Indexand Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Data are collected intwo phases: the first wave of the pandemic (from May 14th to July 18th2020) and the second wave (to be conducted in winter 2020).Results558 patients with rheumatic diseases participated in REUMAVID UK.The most frequently reported diagnoses were axial spondyloarthritis(44.6%), rheumatoid arthritis (44.1%) and osteoarthritis (25.6%). Themean age was 58.513.4 years, 78.7% women, 70.8% married or in arelationship and 54.1% having university studies. 45.8% perceivedtheir health status being "fair to very poor" with 38.4% reporting aworsening during lockdown. 48.8% had their rheumatology appointment cancelled. Of these, 46.9% were offered either online ortelephone follow-up, while the remaining 50.6% were not given anyalternative. 15.6% changed their medication, of which 66.3% wereindicated to do so by the medical team and 21.7% did so out ofconcern with COVID-19 with the major fear being that their treatmentwould lead to serious illness if they contracted SARS-CoV-2, while thegreater hope was to be able to continue with their treatment as usual.10.3% smoked more than before, 59.4% quit smoking and 36.3%drank more alcohol than before. 20.7% were unable to physicallyexercise at home and 39.2% reported weight gain. According to theWHO-5 scale, 52.5% declared poor well-being (-50). A total of 43.6%were at risk of anxiety and 33.6% at risk of depression according tothe HADS scale. During the lockdown, 54.3% were able to continuetheir psychological therapy. The main source of COVID-19 informationwas the patient organisations (reaching 63.6% of members), compared to 45.3% of non-members who did not receive any information.ConclusionThe REUMAVID study has allowed us to measure and quantify theexperience of British patients with rheumatic disease during anunprecedented public health crisis. A reduction in healthcare access, concern about treatment, changes in daily life habits and worsening ofwell-being and mental health were reported during the first wave.Patient organisations were the main source of COVID-19-relatedinformation. Further data will be gathered during the second wave.
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Introduction La pandémie COVID-19 a eu un impact certain sur tous le monde et notamment sur les patients souffrant de rhumatismes. Cette étude REUMAVID à pour but d’évaluer l’impact du confinement lié à la pandémie COVID-19 sur les Français souffrant de maladies rhumatismales. Patients et méthodes REUMAVID est une collaboration internationale du Health & Territory Research (HTR) de l’université de Séville, avec une équipe multidisciplinaire comprenant des rhumatologues et des associations de patients. Elle consiste en une enquête en ligne dans sept pays européens (France, Chypre, Grèce, Italie, Espagne, Royaume-Uni), du 22 mai 2020 au 20 juillet 2020, recueillant des données auprès de patients adultes non sélectionnés ayant reçu un diagnostic de l’une des 15 maladies rhumatismales considérées. L’enquête a permis de recueillir des données sur l’activité et la fonction de la maladie, le bien-être (WHO-5), l’état de santé général, la dépression et l’anxiété (HADS), l’accès aux soins de santé et les perturbations du mode de vie. Le recrutement des participants en France a été effectué par l’association de patients AFLAR. Résultats Pour la France 229 patients atteints de maladies rhumatismales ont été recrutés. Les diagnostics les plus fréquents étaient l’arthrose (102, 44,5 %) et la spondyloarthrite axiale (90, 39,9 %). L’âge moyen était de 54,2±14,1 ans, 84,7 % étaient des femmes, 63,3 % étaient en couple ou mariés et 53,7 % avaient fait des études universitaires ou plus ;1,7 % ont été testés positifs pour la COVID-19, 12,2 % ont déclaré des symptômes mais n’ont pas été testés, tandis que 86 % n’ont pas eu de symptômes ;42,9 % ont déclaré que leur état de santé s’était détérioré, et 80,7 % d’entre eux estimant que leur état de santé était « passable » à « très mauvais » pendant cette pandémie. Le bien-être psychologique a été altéré, 43,9 % des patients présentaient un mauvais état de bien-être selon l’OMS (WHO-5), 31,3 % étaient à risque d’anxiété et 18,1 % à risque de dépression, selon le HADS. L’accès aux soins de santé et aux traitements étaient limité ;30,3 % n’ont pas pu honorer leur rendez-vous chez le rhumatologue qui, dans 88,8 % des cas a été annulé par le médecin lui-même ;16,3 % ont dû changer de médicaments, dont 48,5 % sur initiation du médecin et 48,5 % par crainte de la COVID. En outre, pendant la pandémie, 48,2 % des patients n’ont pas pu faire d’activité physique à la maison, 24,7 % ont augmenté leur consommation en tabac et 27,0 % ont bu plus d’alcool durant cette période. Discussion Les résultats de l’enquête REUMAVID soulignent l’influence négative de la pandémie COVID-19 sur la santé des patients atteints de maladies rhumatismales en France. Les perturbations dans la gestion des soins de santé et les changements de traitement, en plus d’une augmentation des comportements délétères, peuvent avoir un rôle clé dans l’altération de la santé physique et psychologique. Pour assurer une santé et un bien-être optimal des patients atteints de maladies rhumatismales en situation de crise, il est nécessaire d’élaborer des lignes directrices et de mettre en place des initiatives permettant la continuité des soins. Conclusion Les résultats de REUMAVID montrent d’importants besoins non satisfaits durant la première vague de la pandémie COVID-19, avec des interruptions de soins et de traitements, ainsi qu’une augmentation de la consommation de toxique, avec des effets négatifs sur la santé générale, le bien-être et la santé mentale des patients atteints de maladies rhumatismales.