Exploring the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adults with asthma: A quantitative study

Abstract

Aims and objectives: COVID-19 was declared a pandemic in 2020, and some people living with asthma may be at an increased risk of severe illness. We wanted to explore the psychological impact of the pandemic on those living with asthma.

Methods: People living with asthma were invited to participate in an anonymous online survey. The survey collected demographic information and assessed psychological impact using the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R), General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Views of COVID-19 health information provision and the experiences of managing asthma during the pandemic were also explored.

Results: From May to June 2020, 849 people completed the survey. Most were aged between 36-45 years (n=254, 30%); female (n=753, 89%). The majority perceived their asthma as moderate (n=390, 45.9%). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was identified as a clinical concern in 61% of the sample (IES-R: Mdn=30, range=0-88); 77% were experiencing anxiety symptoms (GAD-7: Mdn=9, range=0-21), and 77% were experiencing depression symptoms (PHQ-9: Mdn=10, range=0-27). Over half felt that as someone with asthma, they had not been given adequate COVID-19 information (n=495, 58%). Two thirds felt the pandemic had changed the way they thought about or managed their asthma (n=568, 67%). Examples of changes included: using preventer inhalers regularly; monitoring peak flows.

Conclusion: Our study highlights that those living with asthma may be experiencing psychological distress in response to the pandemic. Psychological intervention and provision of asthma specific COVID-19 information may help alleviate distress.