Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Anxiety Levels of Children with Cystic Fibrosis and Healthy Children

Abstract

Background Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic disease causing recurrent respiratory tract infections. Viral respiratory tract infections are more severe in CF. The first case of COVID-19 was seen in Turkey on March 11, 2020 and nationwide school closure and lockdown were implemented. School closure and home confinement might have adverse effects on children's physical and mental health. In this study, we aimed to compare the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on psychological reactions of CF patients and healthy controls. Methods This is a controlled cross-sectional study including 7-18 year-old children with CF. The survey included questions regarding family environment and peer relations, self care and psychological reactions to COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire was applied to children via telephone call under parental supervision. Results We evaluated 132 CF patients and 135 their healthy peers. Mean age was 11.5±2.9 years in CF group and 11.8±3.2 years in control group (p=0.98). There were 55 girls (41.7%) in CF group and 81 girls (60%) in control group (p=0.027). The socioeconomic status of families was similar. CF patients was feeling less anxious about the COVID-19 pandemic compared to controls (p=0.01). CF patients were found to be less anxious for family members having the risk of COVID-19, less upset for the school closure, less anxious about the COVID-19 pandemic (p<0.001, 0.02, 0.01 respectively). Conclusion CF patients seem to show more resilience in coping with the pandemic. Appropriate psychological support should be provided to them and resilience strategies in coping with the pandemic should be nurtured.

COVID‐19: Impact, experiences, and support needs of children and young adults with cystic fibrosis and parents

“…Another study conducted in Turkey also found that the pandemic caused significant increase in anxiety amongst mothers of children with CF, as well as those with healthy children when compared to children with CF (13–18 years) 21 . Lower anxiety scores in children with CF compared to age‐matched healthy control group has also been reported elsewhere 20 . It was postulated that a potential reason for lower anxiety scores in children with CF may relate to previous exposure to stressful illness experiences, necessitating the early development of adaptive coping strategies when compared to a healthy control group who may be experiencing a serious health problem for the first time.…”

“…A Belgian study assessed the impact of COVID-19 on emotional wellbeing of patients with CF (mean age 32.2 years) and parents of children with CF (mean age 39.4 years); reporting increased stress, fear and worry about CF and the future. 19 Two further studies have evaluated the impact of COVID-19 on anxiety in children with CF 20,21 and their mothers 21 reporting increased anxiety primarily amongst mothers of children with CF as well as those with non CF children compared to children with CF. 20,21 The UK government initially considered children and young adults with CF to be clinically extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 and recommended "shielding"-that is, to remain at home at all times and have no face to face contact with anyone outside of their household, except to attend to medical needs.…”

“…19 Two further studies have evaluated the impact of COVID-19 on anxiety in children with CF 20,21 and their mothers 21 reporting increased anxiety primarily amongst mothers of children with CF as well as those with non CF children compared to children with CF. 20,21 The UK government initially considered children and young adults with CF to be clinically extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 and recommended "shielding"-that is, to remain at home at all times and have no face to face contact with anyone outside of their household, except to attend to medical needs. 22 Information regarding the pandemic is constantly evolving and families are continually having to assess the information they receive from multiple potential sources in relation to COVID-19 and make decisions accordingly.…”

“…A Belgian study assessed the impact of COVID‐19 on emotional wellbeing of patients with CF (mean age 32.2 years) and parents of children with CF (mean age 39.4 years); reporting increased stress, fear and worry about CF and the future. 19 Two further studies have evaluated the impact of COVID‐19 on anxiety in children with CF 20 , 21 and their mothers 21 reporting increased anxiety primarily amongst mothers of children with CF as well as those with non CF children compared to children with CF. 20 , 21 …”

“… 19 Two further studies have evaluated the impact of COVID‐19 on anxiety in children with CF 20 , 21 and their mothers 21 reporting increased anxiety primarily amongst mothers of children with CF as well as those with non CF children compared to children with CF. 20 , 21 …”