Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health lifestyle in patients with peripheral artery disease: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Social isolation has been one of the main strategies to prevent the spread of Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). However, the impact of social isolation on the lifestyle of patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and claudication symptoms remains unclear. Objectives To analyze the perceptions of patients with PAD of the impact of social isolation provoked by COVID-19 pandemic on health lifestyle. Design Cross-sectional. Setting The database of studies developed by our group involving patients with PAD from public hospitals in São Paulo. Methods In this cross-sectional survey study, 136 patients with PAD (61% men, 68±9 years old, 0.55±0.17 ankle-brachial index, 82.4% with a PAD diagnosis ≥5 years old) were included. Health lifestyle factors were assessed through a telephone interview using a questionnaire containing questions related to: (a) COVID-19 personal care; (b) mental health; (c) health risk habits; (d) eating behavior; (e) lifestyle; (f) physical activity; (g) overall health; and (h) peripheral artery disease health care. Results The majority of patients self-reported spending more time watching TV and sitting during the COVID-19 pandemic and only 28.7% were practicing physical exercise. Anxiety and unhappiness were the most prevalent feelings self-reported among patients and 43.4% reported a decline in walking capacity. Conclusion Most patients with PAD self-reported increased sedentary behavior, lower physical activity level, and worse physical and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, it is necessary to adopt strategies to improve the quality of life of these patients during this period.

Impact of physical activity on self-reported health parameters in peripheral artery disease in two periods of the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Social isolation, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, has resulted in unintended consequences for the lifestyle and health of the population. 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 In the current study, the percentage of patients who self-reported practicing physical activity was similar between the two periods during the COVID-19 pandemic (28.3% [n=28] vs. 23.2% [n=23], P>0.05, respectively). We have previously demonstrated that the main barriers to physical activity practice in patients with PAD during the COVID-19 pandemic include social isolation, pain, injury or disability, lack of energy, and the need to rest because of leg pain.…”

“…The impact of physical activity on longitudinal changes in the self-reported health of patients with PAD was assessed through a questionnaire, as previously described. 5 , 6 , 13 The questionnaire was composed of questions divided into domains: (a) overall health, (b) physical health, (c) mental health, and (d) physical activity. The questions used in the analysis are presented below.…”

“… 1 , 2 The prolonged social isolation intended to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 may potentially affect the physical activity level and health of patients with PAD. 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 …”

“…In addition, many patients with PAD self-reported declining functional capacity and increasing mental health problems. 6 The prolongation of the COVID-19 pandemic may worsen this scenario.…”

Hábitos Alimentares Durante a Pandemia Do Covid-19 No Brasil: Um Estudo De Revisão

“…Síntese dos estudos selecionados sobre os hábitos alimentares da população brasileira no período da pandemia da COVID-19. Em estudo realizado por Ritti-Dias et al (2022)(6), que objetivou analisar as percepções de pacientes com DAP sobre o impacto do isolamento social provocado pela pandemia de COVID-19 no estilo de vida saudável. Para tanto, este estudo foi realizado com 136 pacientes que possuem DAP, através de um questionário semiestruturado contendo perguntas relacionadas aos cuidados pessoais com COVID-19, saúde mental, hábitos de risco à saúde, comportamento alimentar, estilo de vida, atividade física, saúde geral e atenção à saúde das doenças arteriais periféricas.…”