Perception of the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the Time of Telemedicine: Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study

• DOI: 10.2196/19574
• Publication Date: 2020-09-15T02:04:47Z
• Authors: Fabiana Zingone; Monica Siniscalchi; Edoardo Vincenzo ...; Brigida Barberio; Linda Cingolani; Renata D'Incà; Francesca Romana ...; Silvia Camera; Carolina Ciacci
• Keywords: Pandemic; Cross-sectional study

Background: After the COVID-19 outbreak, Italian Government stopped most regular health care activity. As a result, patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) had limited access to outpatient clinics and hospitals. Objective: This study aimed analyze perception of emergency among IBD during early weeks lockdown. Methods: We invited adult from University Salerno (Campania, South Italy) Padua (Veneto, North by email answer an ad hoc anonymous survey about COVID-19. also collected data on demographic characteristics. Results: In total, 167 83 answered (age: mean 39.7 years, SD 13.9 years; female: n=116, 46.4%). found that were particularly worried pandemic (enough: 77/250, 30.8%; much/very much: 140/250, 56.0%), as they felt more vulnerable due their condition 70/250, 28.0%; 109/250, 43.6%). Patients red zone Veneto than Campania (P=.001), men susceptible virus women (P=.05). Additionally, remote medicine was appreciated younger older (P=.04). Conclusions: The results our demonstrate lockdown significant impact psychological aspects suggest need for increasing communication (eg, through telemedicine) ensure receive adequate care, correct information, proper support.