Pennsylvania Early Intervention Center (PEIC)/HeadsUp, Neurodevelopment and Psychosis Section, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Disaster Med Public Health Prep. 2023 Sep 12;17:e488. doi: 10.1017/dmp.2023.151.
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic produced swift, extensive changes in daily life, including for first-episode psychosis (FEP) clients. This study examined pandemic-related psychosocial impacts to clients while engaged in Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC). We also examined FEP client vaccination rates, as vaccinations can reduce hospitalizations/deaths, and related worries.
Thirty-one clients (45% female; ages 13-39; 26% black, 61% white) from Pennsylvania (PA) CSC outpatient programs completed an online survey evaluating exposure to COVID-19, associated worries, coping, and safety strategies. Descriptive statistics characterized responses and demographic group differences. Additional program evaluation data informed vaccination rates for PA FEP clients.
Participants reported substantial pandemic-related impacts to daily life. Many clients reported improved safety measures to protect themselves/others from COVID-19. Clients largely denied substantial worries about infection for themselves, reporting greater concern for loved ones. Multiple coping strategies were endorsed, which, with few exceptions, did not differ among demographic groups. FEP clients had a low reported rate of vaccination (28.6%) as of September 2021.
Observed prolonged pandemic effects may alter FEP client progress in CSC. Stakeholders should be prepared to adjust FEP treatment accordingly in the event of a similar disaster. Concentrated vaccination efforts may be necessary for this population.
冠状病毒病（COVID-19）大流行迅速、广泛地改变了日常生活，包括首发精神病（FEP）患者。本研究调查了在接受协调专科护理（CSC）的患者中与大流行相关的心理社会影响。我们还检查了 FEP 患者的疫苗接种率，因为疫苗接种可以降低住院/死亡人数以及相关的担忧。
宾夕法尼亚州（PA）CSC 门诊项目的 31 名患者（45%为女性；年龄 13-39 岁；26%为黑人，61%为白人）完成了一项在线调查，评估了他们对 COVID-19 的接触、相关担忧、应对和安全策略。描述性统计分析了反应和人口统计学差异。额外的项目评估数据提供了 PA FEP 患者的疫苗接种率。
参与者报告了与大流行相关的对日常生活的重大影响。许多患者报告说，为保护自己/他人免受 COVID-19 感染而采取了更多的安全措施。患者大多否认对自己感染的担忧，更关心亲人。报告了多种应对策略，除了少数例外，这些策略在不同的人口统计学群体中没有差异。截至 2021 年 9 月，FEP 患者的疫苗接种率较低（28.6%）。
观察到的长期大流行影响可能会改变 FEP 患者在 CSC 中的进展。利益相关者应准备好在类似灾难发生时相应地调整 FEP 治疗。可能需要为这一人群集中进行疫苗接种。
