ABSTRACT
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic represents a challenge to the care of patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the care of RMD patients, their health and wellbeing. Methods: This 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). Results: Patients 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 immu-nosuppressive drugs were the most frequently reported reasons for non-adherence to medication. The percentage of patients with uncontrolled disease had signifcantly 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. Conclusion: The pandemic negatively influenced the mental health, quality of life, adherence to medications, access to rheumatology care, and disease control of RMDs patients.