How patients with COVID-19 managed the disease at home during the first wave in Spain: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

ObjectiveMost patients with mild COVID-19 had to stay at home trying to implement an optimal quarantine. The aim of this study was to describe the COVID-19 cases during the first wave of the pandemic in Spain, how they managed the disease at home, focusing on differences by age, as well as differences in knowledge, attitudes and preventive practices, compared with the uninfected population.DesignAn online survey was used to conduct a cross-sectional study of individuals who were 14 years or older living in Spain during the COVID-19 lockdown. The main variable was a COVID-19 case. Logistic regression models for COVID-19 cases were obtained using a backward stepwise procedure to assess the association between social variables, disease knowledge, attitudes, prevention practices and emotional impact.Results3398 people completed the survey. Participants’ mean age was 49.6 (SD=14.3). COVID-19 was significantly more prevalent among married people (5.3%) and those currently doing an on-site work (8.7%). Most of the COVID-19 cases stayed at home (84.0%) during the episode. There were significant age-based differences with regard to self-isolation conditions at home during the disease. COVID-19 cases showed better attitudes, practices and knowledge about disease symptoms and transmission than the uninfected population. COVID-19 cases also felt more depressed (adjusted OR: 3.46, 95% CI 1.45 to 8.26) and had better preventive behaviour than the uninfected population, such as always wearing a mask outside the home (adjusted OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.30).ConclusionCOVID-19 cases found it difficult to comply with recommended home self-isolation conditions, with differences by age group. COVID-19 had an important impact on care dependency in non-hospitalised patients, who were mostly dependent on their families for care. It is necessary to reinforce social and health services and to be ready to meet the care needs of populations during the different waves or in future epidemics.

Age differences in knowledge, attitudes and preventive practices during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain

“…However, lower age groups are more likely to feel depressed because of the pandemic, probably due to the impact it has had on their daily activity and social relationships, unlike older people. In addition, pandemic fatigue is higher in younger age groups 23 , 24 .…”

Determinants of Mental Health Disorders in the Community During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Literature Review

“…A large proportion of people in various countries reported that their mental health was adversely affected during the first wave of the pandemic [4]. The prevalence of distress was reported to have increased during the second wave in autumn and winter 2020, which coincided with the re-tightening of restrictions to contain the pandemic.…”

COVID-19 Medical and Pharmacological Management in the European Countries Compared to Italy: An Overview

“…In other Mediterranean countries, for example Spain, a survey about COVID-19 management at home, carried out on 3398 people, was recently performed [ 37 ]. In their cross-sectional study, the authors reported that, at least at the beginning of the pandemic, antipyretics, hydroxychloroquine and antibiotics were the most frequently used drugs to treat patients with mild symptoms of COVID-19 while staying at their homes during the lockdown [ 37 , 38 ]. Actually, no real COVID-19-targeting therapy was ever appointed within the first months of the pandemic, so physicians most probably were working in the dark.…”