The lockdown and its consequences—Perspectives and needs of people at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19

Abstract

Summary Background There is a lack of knowledge on how people at increased risk of severe illness from Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) experienced the infection control measures. This study aimed to explore their perspectives and needs during the coronavirus outbreak. Methods A qualitative longitudinal interview study was conducted in Austria during lockdown due to COVID-19 containment and afterwards. People older than 65 years of age and/or affected by a chronic medical condition participated in individual telephone interviews at two time points. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data and saturation was defined as no new emerging concepts in at least 10 subsequent interviews. Results Thematic saturation was reached when 33 individuals (75.8% female, mean age ± standard deviation [SD] 73.7±10.9 years) were included. A total of 44 lower level concepts were extracted and summarized into 6 higher level concepts. They included (i) a general positive attitude toward COVID-19 measures, (ii) challenges of being isolated from the community, (iii) deterioration of health status, (iv) difficulties with measures due to their health condition, (v) lack of physical contact and (vi) lack of information versus overload. Participants suggested environmental adaptations for strengthening resilience in people at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Conclusion Strategies and interventions are needed to support people at risk under pandemic conditions. Their perceptions and needs should be addressed to reduce the potential deterioration of health conditions and ensure well-being even during prolonged periods of crisis.

Challenges to dialysis treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study of patients’ and experts’ perspectives

“…In contrast to other findings ( Xia et al, 2021 ), we noted higher confidence in overcoming COVID-19 in HD patients than in some PD patients. Dialysis patients adapted their routine during lockdown to promote physical and mental well-being ( Mosor et al, 2021 ). Psychological flexibility, the ability to adjust cognition and behavior according to personal needs, is related to lesser anxiety and depression, explaining resilience and preservation of mental health ( Israelashvili, 2021 ; Pellerin et al, 2022 ).…”

Experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic among People with Inflammatory Arthritis: “Reopening of Society Is Harder than Lock-Down”—A Qualitative Interview Study

“…We found that, in particular, participants who were treated with DMARDs felt worried and tended to isolate themselves and their families more. Several studies have shown increased levels of worry and lower quality of life among people with chronic conditions [ 11 , 13 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. In a Danish study, Glintborg et al documented high levels of anxiety and self-isolation among Danish citizens with IA [ 15 ], even though Denmark was found to be among the countries with the lowest level of concern and anxiety among the general population throughout the pandemic [ 26 ].…”

“…Still, people with IA in our study experienced a lack of targeted and adequate information about their specific vulnerability in relation to risk and consequences of both COVID-19 and the upcoming vaccination. Other European studies have also found that people with chronic conditions experienced both an overload of general information and a lack of targeted and adequate information related to the possible impact of a COVID-19 infection in their specific situation [ 23 , 29 ]. A cross-sectional study across seven countries in central Europe aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic on patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases [ 24 ].…”

Experiences of being at high-risk during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on emotional well-being and daily life in people with chronic conditions: a qualitative study

“…It is argued that such measures are often more burdensome for people most at risk from COVID-19 [ 8 – 11 ]. People with chronic conditions (CC), as well as people with severe obesity and old age, are particularly susceptible to severe illness if infected by COVID-19, and they have an increased risk for hospitalization, intensive care, need for a ventilator and/or death [ 12 ]. In Denmark, The Danish Health Authorities likewise identified population groups and individuals most at risk from COVID-19, including people with CCs, people aged 65 + as well as people with severe obesity.…”

“…Many studies have shown a pronounced fear of transmitting infection and of becoming infected with COVID-19 among people at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 [ 15 – 18 ]. In addition, several studies have recognised the negative impact of isolation and other lockdown-related restrictions on emotional wellbeing and daily life among people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 [ 12 , 16 , 17 , 19 , 20 ]. Thus, several studies have via patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures demonstrated decreases in well-being among people with CC’s during the initial phase of the pandemic and research has shown that people’s risk perceptions of COVID-19 are negatively associated with well-being [ 21 ].…”