Risk perception and the impact of the sars-cov-2 (Corona virus) pandemic on rheumatic diseases in Mexico

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To describe risk perception and its relationship with sources of information consulted, actions, and the impact of the pandemic on the physical and mental health as well as social aspects of a group of patients from the rheumatology consultation. Methods: A survey was conducted from August 10 to November 29, 2020 in rheumatic diseases (RD) patients who returned to an outpatient clinic in Mexico following the Stay at home program implemented from March 23 to July 31. An online questionnaire was administered on mobile devices. Measurements Assessment of the patient's health status by rheumatologist (visual analog scale ranging 0-10) and some sections of the UNIV-COVID-19 questionnaire. A descriptive analysis was performed. Measures of central tendency and dispersion for continuous variables and frequency measures for categorical variables. Normality was checked with the Shapiro-Wilk test. Inferential statistical tests were performed to determine differences between the COVID-19 + vs -groups with Chi-square and Student's t test for nominal and continuous sociodemographic variables, respectively. Logistic regressions were performed. Results: A total of 471 patients with RD were included, 84.5% women, aged 46.9 (SD 14.5) years old;rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was the most prevalent diagnosis 42.4%. 4.8%had SARS-CoV-2 infection, 21.74% required hospitalization. Treatment modification was reported in 36.1% (66.6% discontinued);health condition worsened in 39.1% of the patients. 52.1% of the patients who made modifications in their treatment had COVID-19 and 39.1% of those who had COVID-19 reported that their health condition worsened. The perception of risk was 85.9% (very serious/serious). The preventive action carried out was home isolation 44.3%. Television was consulted 88.7%and alert 74.5%the most prevalent feeling, while 7% said they felt discriminated. The logistic regression analysis revealed that having SpA, taking leflunomide, feeling discriminated, and greater perception of risk were associated with having COVID-19. The bimodal results for each variable are presented to indicate the change on action taken per group. Conclusion: The risk perception in RD patients was very high. 5% had COVID-19. The impact on disease activity, physical/mental health was greater in patients with COVID-19. Discrimination of RD and COVID-19 patients is an important phenomenon.