1
|
Abd EL-Khalik DM, Eltohamy M. Evaluation of Depression and Anxiety in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients During COVID-19 Pandemic. CLINICAL MEDICINE INSIGHTS. ARTHRITIS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS 2023; 16:11795441231216988. [PMID: 38115857 PMCID: PMC10729612 DOI: 10.1177/11795441231216988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity, associated comorbidities, and therapy-related side effects impair the physical, social, and emotional dimensions of the patient's health. Presently, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with a broad range of psychosocial disorders in various populations. Patients with RA are especially vulnerable to such effects. Objectives Detect the prevalence of recent COVID-19 infection among patients with RA, assess depression and anxiety in these patients and their associated factors during the COVID-19 pandemic and their potential relation to disease activity. Design and Methods This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 120 adult Egyptian patients diagnosed with RA during the COVID-19 pandemic. The prevalence of recent COVID-19 infection among the patients was evaluated. The patients underwent psychological assessment using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (Ham-D) and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (Ham-A) to measure levels of depression and anxiety levels. The RA disease activity was assessed using Disease Activity Score (DAS) Das-28-ESR. Results This study encompasses a total of 120 RA patients. The prevalence of patients with a recent history of COVID-19 infection was 40.8%. Both groups exhibited significantly elevated mean scores on the Das-28-ESR scale and also scored higher on measures of depression and anxiety. Interestingly, the COVID-19 group exhibited a higher percentage of unmarried individuals, had educational attainment below the university level, and were unemployed. Patients with recent COVID-19 had significantly lower numbers of children, higher disease duration, higher Das-28-ESR scores, and elevated depression and anxiety scores. The statistical analysis revealed that the COVID-19 infection and disease duration were significant predictors of depression and anxiety. The results also exhibited that the depression score was positively correlated with age and DAS scores. Conclusions It was observed that patients diagnosed with RA revealed a higher prevalence of COVID-19 infection. The occurrence of depression and anxiety was observed to be widespread among patients diagnosed with RA and, more significantly, prevalent in RA patients who had a recent COVID-19 and had a higher level of disease activity. The occurrence of COVID-19 and disease duration were identified as factors that can anticipate the development of depression and anxiety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dina M Abd EL-Khalik
- Internal Medicine Department, Rheumatology Division, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
- Internal Medicine Department, Rheumatology Division, Armed Forces College of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Eltohamy
- Psychiatry Department, Armed Forces College of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Di Trani M, Metallo C, Renzi A, Mariani R, Rosabianca A, Tomasini A, Celano A. Childhood traumatic events, alexithymia and perceived stress in patients with rheumatoid arthritis during the COVID-19 pandemic. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2023; 28:2169-2181. [PMID: 37386736 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2023.2229243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease, causing joint-swelling and pain. International literature highlights that patients with RA are more likely to report high levels of alexithymia, adverse childhood events (ACEs) and stress, but studies investigating the association between these dimensions are lacking. The general aim of the present study is to investigate the association between alexithymia, ACEs, and stress in RA patients and to highlight possible predictors of greater perceived stress. One hundred and thirty-seven female patients with RA (mean age = 50.74; SD = 10.01) participated in an online survey between April and May 2021. Participants completed a questionnaire for the collection of sociodemographic and clinical information, the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the Adverse Childhood Events questionnaire and the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale. The correlational analysis highlighted several significant associations between the dimensions evaluated. Regression analyses showed that alexithymia, ACEs and the perceived health status have a predictive effect on the perceived stress of RA patients. More specifically, the role of difficulty in identifying feelings, and the physical and emotional neglect, has been highlighted. ACEs and high levels of alexithymia are common in RA clinical populations and seem to affect the wellbeing of these patients. The use of a biopsychosocial approach to RA treatment appears essential in achieving a better quality of life and illness control in this specific clinical population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michela Di Trani
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, of "Sapienza", University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Metallo
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, of "Sapienza", University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Renzi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, of "Sapienza", University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rachele Mariani
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, of "Sapienza", University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Rosabianca
- National Association of People with Rheumatological and Rare Diseases, Apmarr Aps, Lecce, Italy
| | - Andrea Tomasini
- National Association of People with Rheumatological and Rare Diseases, Apmarr Aps, Lecce, Italy
| | - Antonella Celano
- National Association of People with Rheumatological and Rare Diseases, Apmarr Aps, Lecce, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Parsirad M, Oomen-Lochtefeld S, Suerig B, Wang C. Has the COVID 19 Pandemic Impacted the Management of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain? Curr Rheumatol Rep 2023:10.1007/s11926-023-01103-y. [PMID: 37133652 PMCID: PMC10155143 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-023-01103-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain; however, the extent of its impact has not been established. We conducted a comprehensive review of the pandemic's impact on clinical outcomes and healthcare accessibility for osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), fibromyalgia (FM), lower back pain (LBP), and other musculoskeletal disorders and chronic pain syndromes to better inform clinical decision-making. RECENT FINDINGS We examined 30 studies (n = 18,810) from 36 countries investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on chronic musculoskeletal pain outcomes. The available evidence suggests that the pandemic significantly impacted pain levels, mental health, quality of life and healthcare accessibility in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Of 30 studies, 25 (83%) reported symptom worsening, and 20 (67%) reported reduced healthcare accessibility. Patients were unable to access necessary care services during the pandemic, including orthopedic surgeries, medications, and complementary therapies, leading to worsened pain, psychological health, and quality of life. Across conditions, vulnerable patients reported high pain catastrophizing, psychological stress, and low physical activity related to social isolation. Notably, positive coping strategies, regular physical activity, and social support were associated with positive health outcomes. Most patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain had greatly affected pain severity, physical function, and quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, the pandemic significantly impacted treatment accessibility, preventing necessary therapies. These findings support further prioritization of chronic musculoskeletal pain patient care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahdokht Parsirad
- Center For Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology, Tufts Medicine/Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Samon Oomen-Lochtefeld
- Center For Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology, Tufts Medicine/Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Brigette Suerig
- Center For Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology, Tufts Medicine/Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Chenchen Wang
- Center For Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology, Tufts Medicine/Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kernder A, Filla T, de Groot K, Hellmich B, Holle J, Lamprecht P, Moosig F, Ruffer N, Specker C, Vordenbäumen S, Schneider M, Chehab G. COVID-19 pandemic impairs medical care of vasculitis patients in Germany: Results of a national patient survey. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 9:1103694. [PMID: 36698843 PMCID: PMC9868561 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1103694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical care and vaccination acceptance of vasculitis patients in Germany. Methods A web-based national survey was developed by rheumatology centers and vasculitis patient advocacy groups. The survey was distributed nationwide by mail and flyers and could be accessed via a QR-code or weblink from December 2021 to April 2022. Descriptive statistics [mean, median, standard derivation (SD), 25%, 75% quantile] were calculated. 95% confidence intervals were presented for responses that were directly related to the impact of COVID-19 on parameters associated with vasculitis patient care. Results The online survey was completed by 117 patients with small and large vessel vasculitis [granulomatosis with polyangiitis (n = 69), eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (n = 16), microscopic polyangiitis (n = 12), giant cell arteritis (n = 17) and Takayasu's arteritis (n = 3)]. Prescheduled rheumatological appointments had been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 12.6% of the respondents [95% confidence interval (CI), 7.3-20.0%); in 9% (95% CI, 4.5-15.6%)] appointments had been replaced by digital services. Therapeutic regimens were changed (shifted, reduced, or discontinued) due to the pandemic in 15.5% (95% CI 9.5-22.2%). Vaccination coverages were generally high compared to patients with other rheumatic diseases and the general population. Highest vaccination coverage was observed against COVID-19 (98.1% 95% CI 93.9-99.6%). Conclusion Vasculitis patients experienced changes in medical care during COVID-19 pandemic such as cancelation of prescheduled rheumatology appointments and modifications in therapeutic regimens. The overall acceptance rate for vaccination was comparatively high, particularly for vaccination against COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kernder
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany,Hiller Research Center, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany,*Correspondence: Anna Kernder ✉
| | - Tim Filla
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany,Hiller Research Center, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kirsten de Groot
- Medical Clinic III, Sana Klinikum Offenbach GmbH, Offenbach, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hellmich
- Klinik für Innere Medizin, Rheumatolgie und Immunologie, Medius Klinik Kirchheim, University Tübingen, Kirchheim unter Teck, Germany
| | - Julia Holle
- Rheumazentrum Schleswig-Holstein Mitte, Neumünster, Germany
| | - Peter Lamprecht
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Frank Moosig
- Rheumazentrum Schleswig-Holstein Mitte, Neumünster, Germany
| | - Nikolas Ruffer
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Klinikum Bad Bramstedt GmbH, Bad Bramstedt, Germany,III Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christof Specker
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, KEM Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Essen, Germany
| | - Stefan Vordenbäumen
- Department of Rheumatology, St. Elisabeth-Hospital Meerbusch-Lank, Meerbusch, Germany
| | - Matthias Schneider
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany,Hiller Research Center, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gamal Chehab
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany,Hiller Research Center, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| |
Collapse
|