COVID-19's Psychological Impact on Chronic Disease Patients Seeking Medical Care.

BACKGROUND

The outbreak has harmed patients with multiple comorbidities and chronic conditions. The pandemic's psychological impact is thought to change their routine of seeking medical care. Research Question or Hypothesis: During COVID-19, patients with chronic conditions may experience anxiety, depression, and stress, and their pattern of seeking medical care may change.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In May 2021, a cross-sectional, web-based study of patients with chronic diseases was conducted. Eligible patients (1036) were assessed for psychological disorders, primarily depression, stress, and anxiety, using the DASS-21 scale, and their pattern of receiving medical care during COVID-19.

RESULTS

During the pandemic, 52.5% of the patients with chronic diseases were depressed, 57.9% were anxious, and 35.6% were stressed. Patients with chronic diseases who had moderate to severe depression (34.9% versus 45.1%, = 0.001), moderate to severe anxiety (43.6% versus 53.8%, = 0.001), or moderate to severe stress (14.9% versus 34.8%, = 0.001) were significantly more likely to have no follow-up for their chronic conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with chronic conditions experienced significant anxiety, depression, and stress during COVID-19, which changed their pattern of seeking medical care, and the majority of them did not receive follow-up for their chronic conditions.