Title
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on patients with rheumatic diseases in Latin America
Date Issued
01 January 2022
Access level
open access
Resource Type
journal article
Author(s)
Fernández-Ávila D.G.
Barahona-Correa J.
Romero-Alvernia D.
Kowalski S.
Sapag A.
Cachafeiro-Vilar A.
Meléndez B.
Pastelín C.
Palleiro D.
Arrieta D.
Reyes G.
Pons-Estel G.J.
Then-Báez J.
Cardiel M.H.
Colman N.
Chávez N.
Burgos P.I.
Montufar R.
Sandino S.
Fuentes-Silva Y.J.
Soriano E.R.
Publisher(s)
Springer Science and Business Media
Deutschland GmbH
Abstract
The objective of our study was to describe knowledge, attitudes and practices of Latin-American rheumatology patients regarding management and follow-up of their disease during COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using a digital anonymous survey. Rheumatic patients ≥ 18 years from non-English-speaking PANLAR countries were included. Our survey included 3502 rheumatic patients living in more than 19 Latin-American countries. Median age of patients was 45.8(36–55) years and the majority (88.9%) was female. Most frequently self-reported disease was rheumatoid arthritis (48.4%). At least one anti-rheumatic treatment was suspended by 23.4% of patients. Fear of contracting SARS-Cov2 (27.7%) and economic issues (25%) were the most common reasons for drug discontinuation. Self-rated disease activity increased from 30 (7–50) to 45 (10–70) points during the pandemic. Communication with their rheumatologist during the pandemic was required by 55.6% of patients, mainly by telephone calls (50.2%) and social network messages (47.8%). An adequate knowledge about COVID-19 was observed in 43% of patients. Patients with rheumatic diseases in Latin America were negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. An increase in self-rated disease activity, a reduction in medication adherence, and hurdles for medical follow-up were reported. Teleconsultation was perceived as a valid alternative to in-person visits during the pandemic.
Start page
41
End page
49
Volume
42
Issue
1
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Reumatología
Subjects
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-85118596538
PubMed ID
Source
Rheumatology International
ISSN of the container
01728172
Sponsor(s)
This study was supported by an unrestricted grant from Pan American League of Rheumatology Associations (PANLAR).
Sources of information:
Directorio de Producción Científica
Scopus