Increased utilization of non-pharmacological approaches to reduce COVID-19 anxiety in diverse cardiac arrest survivors in New York City

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study aimed to examine the utilization of pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches to reduce COVID-19 anxiety in cardiac arrest (CA) survivors in New York City (NYC) and compare them to their pre-COVID proportions. Background: Psychological distress specific to the COVID-19 pandemic (i.e. COVID-19 anxiety Fear of falling sick or dying from COVID-19) is widespread and pronounced in CA survivors, for whom the consequences of infection are dire. Preferred coping mechanisms in CA survivors during times of isolation and social distancing have not yet been studied. Design/Methods: Between 5/15/20-7/31/20, after the NYC pandemic peak, CA survivors from a prospective cohort participated in a telephone-based assessment of the pandemic's impact on psychological and behavioral dimensions. COVID-19 anxiety was assessed using the NIH 7-item Perceived Coronavirus Threat Questionnaire (PCTQ;range 1-42). Participant's current coping methods to alleviate stress or enhance psychological wellness were categorized as pharmacological (i.e. prescription psychiatric medications) or non-pharmacological (i.e. talk therapy, virtual support, or meditation practices), and noted if they were initiated as a result of COVID-19. Results: Of 130 approached, 105 CA survivors participated (57% male;mean±SD age 58.5±17 years;41% non-Hispanic White, 17% Black, 35% Latinx). The majority (75%) had not experienced COVID-19 symptoms or had not been tested. The median PCTQ score was 29 (IQR 20-32). During the pandemic, the utilization of non-pharmacological stress-relieving reduction methods increased by 6.67% (39% vs 32%, p<0.05) compared to pre-COVID. Being a woman (51% vs 32%, p=0.04), younger (53±17 vs 63±16 years, p<0.01), and greater COVID-19 anxiety scale scores (31±7 vs 25±9, p<0.01), was associated with increased usage of nonpharmacological stress-reduction measures. Conclusions: CA survivors experienced heightened anxiety during COVID-19 pandemic and preferred non-pharmacological approaches to enhance psychological wellness. Further research is warranted to examine the efficacy of these stress-reduction tactics long-term on pandemic related anxiety.