The Impact of COVID-19 Shielding on the Wellbeing, Mental Health and Treatment Adherence of Adults with Cystic Fibrosis

Overview

Journal Future Healthc J

Specialty Health Services

Date 2021 Apr 1

PMID 33791475

Citations 14

Authors

Kristina A Westcott

Frances Wilkins

Amelia Chancellor

Alan Anderson

Simon Doe

Carlos Echevarria

Stephen J Bourke

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

People with cystic fibrosis (CF) were advised to undertake 'shielding' at home during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce their risk of infection. We studied the impact shielding had on their wellbeing, mental health (GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores) and adherence to treatment. 63 (46%) of 137 people surveyed responded (19 anonymously; 44 gave their identity). Most (94%) adhered to shielding advice 'all the time/often' but many (76%) found this difficult with disruption of their routines, relationships and exercise habits. Treatment adherence rates were high and continued during COVID-19. Depression scores were low and remained stable. Clinically significant anxiety rates rose from 27% pre-COVID-19 to 54% during COVID-19 and seven patients requested a psychology consultation from this study. There is a need to monitor the wellbeing of people with CF during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

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