ABSTRACT
Objectives: To evaluate adherence to treatment and the impact of isolation in patients with rheumatic diseases Methods: Observational and cross-sectional study, using an electronic survey (Google form®) in participants of the virtual congress of patients in 2020 over 18 years of age. Demographic data, diagnosis and factors associated with the life of the people in this period of restriction were recorded. Results: 558 patients answered the survey (95.34%women). 494 patients from Argentina (164 were from the province of Buenos Aires). 75 of the survey participants were between 40 and 70 years old. Most of the patients had rheumatoid arthritis 45%, Fibromyalgia 31%and Osteoarthritis 16%. 70% were followed in the private environment. 65% considered themselves within the risk group of suffering from COVID-19 and 23% were unsure of their risk. The majority of the population knew the necessary measures of prevention. 83% were able to connect with their doctor during this period, the most common way was in person and via Whats App, only 18% had access through tele consultation. 79.2% continued with the treatment for their disease, 14.2% had difficulties and 6.4% did not succeed. Of these two groups, lack of access to medication and lack of communication with their doctor was the cause. During this period, 50% were able to do physical activity at home. Of the surveyed population, 35 people (6.4%) had a diagnosis of COVID-19;of these only 6 (15%) required hospitalization, the rest only isolation at home. Anxiety 63% anguish 48% and sadness 42.6%were the emotions that predominated in the vast majority of people with rheumatic diseases. Regarding vaccines, 51% thought that they would be vaccinated if recommended by their rheumatologist and 28 .6% had doubts. Only 9% would not be vaccinated. These data are depincted in Figures 1 and 2. Conclusion: From this survey, we obtained information on how the pandemic impacted people's daily lives during the restriction. Although the vast majority were able to comply with their treatment and indications, a percentage could not comply with their treatment and did not have access to their rheumatologist. There is a great emotional impact from the restrictions on this group of people. Additionally, patients expressed trust in their rheumatologist, and the recommendation for COVID-19 vaccination.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: With regard to vaccines against COVID-19, patients with inflammatory, autoimmune or autoinflammatory rheumatic diseases and those who are immunosuppressed, had doubts about their situation regarding vaccination, and people with these conditions did not participate in clinical trials. Also, previous experience with current platforms is generally limited. Objective: To inform people with rheumatic diseases about vaccination for COVID-19 in Argentina and to measure the impact of the information on people with rheumatic diseases. Methods: The Argentine Society of Rheumatology (SAR) organized a live session on Reuma QuienSos, a SAR dependent page to provide information to patients. Specialists in rheumatology and infectious disease with extensive experience in patient care for these specialties participated in this event, providing information and answering questions about vaccination for COVID-19 in people with rheumatic diseases with information available so far, in addition a brief previous survey was conducted during the session and at the end of it. Results: 1900 people participated in the live session. There were 2400 comments, 997 reactions and it was shared 243 times. Within 7 days of the original post, the post reached 49,600 people. 465 people answered the previous survey and 433 the subsequent one. Before the session, 77% of those surveyed had considered getting vaccinated and at the end of the session this percentage increased to 95%, thus indicating an increase in acceptance of 22%. Prior to the session, only 35% received vaccination advice from their rheumatologist. The increased acceptance of the Sputnik V vaccine was dramatic after the information was provided in the live session. When univariate analysis was performed for age, sex and disease, no association was found with the questions asked in the survey. Conclusion: The information provided during this activity by SAR and professionals involved had a very important impact on the confidence of people with rheumatic diseases in relation to vaccination for COVID19.