RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The impact of COVID-19 shielding on the wellbeing, mental health and treatment adherence of adults with cystic fibrosis
JF Future Healthcare Journal
JO Future Healthc J
FD Royal College of Physicians
SP fhj.2020-0205
DO 10.7861/fhj.2020-0205
A1 Kristina A Westcott
A1 Frances Wilkins
A1 Amelia Chancellor
A1 Alan Anderson
A1 Simon Doe
A1 Carlos Echevarria
A1 Stephen J Bourke
YR 2021
UL http://www.rcpjournals.org/content/early/2021/01/06/fhj.2020-0205.abstract
AB People with cystic fibrosis (CF) were advised to undertake ‘shielding’ at home during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce their risk of infection. We studied the impact shielding had on their wellbeing, mental health (GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores) and adherence to treatment. 63 (46%) of 137 people surveyed responded (19 anonymously; 44 gave their identity). Most (94%) adhered to shielding advice ‘all the time/often’ but many (76%) found this difficult with disruption of their routines, relationships and exercise habits. Treatment adherence rates were high and continued during COVID-19. Depression scores were low and remained stable. Clinically significant anxiety rates rose from 27% pre-COVID-19 to 54% during COVID-19 and seven patients requested a psychology consultation from this study. There is a need to monitor the wellbeing of people with CF during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.