Influence of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Health Care of Participants in a Cardiorrespiratory Prevention and Rehabilitation Program

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate by means of an online questionnaire the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on exercise practice in the control of hypertension and type 2 diabetes. This is a cross-sectional study, which used a sample of patients with cardiovascular risk factors from a cardiorespiratory prevention and rehabilitation program. The questionnaire contains 29 questions about sociodemographic data and general health aspects. Regarding hypertension and diabetes, most participants reported the correct use of medications (76.0%). Regarding physical exercise, few remained active (56.0%). As for body mass, they reported an increase during the pandemic (52.0%). The COVID-19 pandemic negatively influenced the continuity of physical exercise, hypertension and diabetes control, and general health-related aspects of patients with cardiovascular risk factors in a cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation program.