Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions on psychosocial and behavioural outcomes among Australian adults with type 2 diabetes: Findings from the PREDICT cohort study

• DOI: 10.1111/dme.14611
• Publication Date: 2021-05-30T10:20:26Z
• Authors: Julian W. Sacre; Elizabeth Holmes‐...; Agus Salim; Kaarin J. Anstey; Grant R. Drummond; Rachel R. Huxley; Dianna J. Magliano; Peter van Wijngaa...; Paul Z. Zimmet; Jane Speight; Jonathan E. Shaw
• Keywords: Worry; Depression

To examine psychosocial and behavioural impacts of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown restrictions among adults with type 2 diabetes.Participants enrolled in PRogrEssion DIabetic ComplicaTions (PREDICT) cohort study Melbourne, Australia (n = 489 a baseline assessment pre-2020) were invited to complete phone/online follow-up mid-2020 (i.e., amidst COVID-19 restrictions). Repeated assessments that compared pre-COVID-19 levels included anxiety symptoms (7-item Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale [GAD-7]), depressive (8-item Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-8]), diabetes distress (Problem Areas Diabetes [PAID]), physical activity/sedentary behaviour, alcohol consumption self-management behaviours. Additional once-off measures at COVID-19-specific worry, quality life (QoL), healthcare appointment changes (telehealth engagement cancellations/avoidance).Among 470 respondents (96%; aged 66 ± 9 years, 69% men), least 'moderate' worry about infection was reported by 31%, 29%-73% negative on QoL dimensions (greatest for: leisure activities, feelings future, emotional well-being). Younger participants more (p < 0.05). Overall, anxiety/depressive similar pre-COVID-19, but reduced 0.001). Worse trajectories observed those who or Physical activity trended lower (~10%), sitting time, glucose-monitoring frequency remained unchanged. 73% used telehealth, 43% cancelled 39% avoided new appointments despite perceived need.COVID-19 negatively impacted QoL, some risk factors utilisation diabetes. However, generalised relatively stable.