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A cross-sectional questionnaire study in a phototherapy unit during COVID-19
Francine Batista Costa1, Patrícia Lima Baptista2, Rodrigo Pereira Duquia2
1Department of Dermatology, Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, 135, Annes Dias St., Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, RS, 90040-001, Brazil. francine.dermato@gmail.com.
Summary
Social isolation due to COVID-19 disrupted phototherapy for most patients in Brazil. This led to a reported worsening of their underlying disease conditions, impacting treatment adherence and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Social isolation measures for COVID-19 were implemented in Brazil in March 2020.
- Health services needed to adapt with contingency plans during the pandemic.
- The study focused on patients undergoing phototherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the disease status of patients who discontinued phototherapy during social isolation.
- To understand the impact of pandemic-related restrictions on ongoing medical treatments.
Main Methods:
- The study included patients receiving phototherapy before social distancing measures.
- A questionnaire was administered to 86 patients during medical evaluations.
- Data collection focused on self-reported disease status after treatment interruption.
Main Results:
- 95% of patients who stopped phototherapy reported a worsening of their condition.
- Only 19% of patients were able to continue phototherapy sessions during isolation.
- A significant majority experienced negative impacts on their disease management.
Conclusions:
- The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread discontinuation of phototherapy.
- Patients perceived an increase in disease severity due to treatment interruption.
- This highlights the vulnerability of chronic disease management during public health crises.
