IMPACT OF THE COVID19 PANDEMIC ON THE SOCIAL BEHAVIOR OF PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATIC DISEASES

Abstract

Background: Depression in rheumatic diseases negatively influences the support network and the perception of company of these patients (1). Objectives: To describe how the COVID-19 pandemic affects the social activitiesn patients with chronic rheumatic diseases such as Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Systemic Lupus Erithematosus (SLE) and Spondyloarthritis (SpA). Methods: Design: Observational, longitudinal study of a series of patients. Patients: RA (ACR/EULAR 2010 classification), SpA (ASAS/EULAR 2010 criteria), and SLE (ACR 1997 criteria) patients, age ≥ 18 years. Questionaries for the evaluation of participation in social activities is the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information Systems (PROMIS) v2.0 Short-Form (8 items, PROMIS-APS) at baseline (OCT to DEC 2019) and after 18 months of pandemic (SEP to DEC 2021) were performed. Variables evaluated were: social activities in terms of various factors, such as satisfaction with social roles mobility, depression, companiony social isolation, emotional support, instrumental support, support via information and ability to participate in social activities. All the variables were evaluated using the PROMIS questionnaire with quantitative scores. We also recorded demographic, clinical, and comorbidity data. Statistical analysis: Multivariate Linear Regression (Dependent variable: PROMIS ability to participate in social activities 18 months COVID19) was performed.