The COVID-19 risk perception and concern: a survey of patients on long term oxygen therapy or domiciliary noninvasive ventilation

Abstract

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many outpatient follow-up visits have been canceled due to shortages of healthcare resources or restrictions for limiting the infection risk.

Aim: To investigate the risk perception of COVID-19 and its impact on the emotional status of patients with chronic respiratory diseases on long-term oxygen therapy or domiciliary noninvasive ventilation and to assess their preferences in possible strategies to cope with their feelings.

Methods: A phone survey was administered from July to August 2020 to patients on long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) or domiciliary noninvasive ventilation (NIV) or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) referred to the outpatient service of Policlinico di Catania. The 21 items-questionnaire consisted of three parts: 1) general questions, 2) COVID-19 related knowledge and risk perception, 3) personal impact of the pandemic.

Results: 101 out of 185 patients (54%) responded to the questionnaire. 89% (90/101) of participants perceive to be at high risk of COVID-19 infection. 51% of patients (52/101) reported feeling depressed and 32% (32/101) complained of acute symptoms related to respiratory failure. These latter groups of patients reported more symptoms of anxiety (P < 0.0001) and stated they would appreciated the use of telemedicine (P <0.0001) and psychological support (P < 0.0001) as a strategy to cope with their emotional status compared to those who were in good health and were not feeling depressed.

Conclusions: Nearly half of the surveyed patients reported anxiety and perceived telemedicine and psychological support as useful coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic.