Coping strategies for obese individuals with obstructive sleep apnea during COVID-19 pandemic: A narrative review

Abstract

Background Patients infected with SARS-CoV-2- having pre-existing non-communicable diseases (NCDs)- are at a higher risk of complications. Obesity is one of the proven risk factors causing NCDs and can influence outcomes of COVID-19 patients. It is closely related to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The increased risk of COVID-19 and reduced access to treatment of non-COVID conditions during the pandemic may increase the stress in obese patients with OSA. This situation makes it necessary for them to cope with their condition by themselves. This review aimed at the effect of this pandemic on these patients and coping strategies for them. Methods Databases like PubMed and Scopus were searched using a combination of key words. Full-text articles meeting the inclusion criteria were selected. Results The search yielded eight studies, discussing about the potential interactions between the COVID-19, obesity and OSA, the impact of COVID-19 on them, and management of these patients. Conclusions Increased prevalence of COVID-19 was found among obese patients with OSA. The fear of COVID-19 and shift of health care workers to manage COVID-19 patients has affected their regular visits to the hospital. However, there is lack of coping strategies for them, which should soon be established for these patients.

Pandemic‐induced stress and obesity leading to abnormal uterine bleeding: A prospective study

“…Our results also go in accordance with these previous findings. Obesity associated with pandemic has been reported worldwide, including Italy, 14 India, 15 etc. Through this work, we have correlated the impact of these stressors on menstrual health and have thus identified a gradual change in women's menstrual cycle pattern.…”

The Relationship of Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Cardiovascular Reactivity, Psychological Distress, and Coping Responses in the South African Context: A Critical Review

“…However, we are unaware of any previous research that has looked at the significance of cop-ing techniques in OSA patients' depression symptoms, specifically in the South African context. Several studies have indicated the various coping strategies associated with OSA (Bardwell et al, 2001;Saconi et al, 2020;Vaishali et al, 2021), however, there is no available research, specifically in the South African context, indicating the relationship of OSA and coping strategies as described by the Coping Strategy Indicator (CSI). Several studies focused on the extent to which an individual employ certain coping strategy, as measured by the CSI, in response to a specific stressor and how it may be beneficial in coping with psychological distress, as well as chronic diseases such as OSA (Bardwell et al, 2001;Gassara et al, 2017).…”

“…One study conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic reviewed the coping strategies that patients suffering from OSA can utilize in dealing with stressful situations. Educating and engaging in exercise can assist patients in dealing with symptoms associated with OSA (Vaishali et al, 2021), as well as increasing social support through support groups and sharing their personal experiences (Cowan & Livingston, 2012). Finally, there is limited literature available on how gender and ethnicity influence the choice of coping strategies in patients suffering from OSA, specifically in the South African context.…”

Natural Dietary and Medicinal Plants with Anti-Obesity Therapeutics Activities for Treatment and Prevention of Obesity during Lock Down and in Post-COVID-19 Era

“…The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has spread quickly from Wuhan, China to all parts of the world. A significant increase rate of obesity was found during the era of the COVID-19 epidemic [56,57], and also among obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), an increased prevalence of COVID-19 was reported [58]. COVID-19 may lead to economic shutdown, confinement, and direct impacts, and consequently obesity development and eventually increased susceptibility to COVID-19 [59][60][61].…”