Risk mitigation behaviors to prevent infection in the mitochondrial disease community during the COVID-19 pandemic

A challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic has been widespread adherence to risk-reducing behaviors. Individuals with mitochondrial disease (MtD) are special population with an increased risk of morbidity associated with infection.

To measure risk mitigation behaviors (RMBs) in families affected by MtD and identify factors that may influence these behaviors.

An online questionnaire was distributed in April and June 2020. Individuals with MtD or their caregivers completed the survey.

We received 529 eligible responses with n = 312 completing all questions for our multivariate regression model. The most common RMBs were increased hand washing (96%), social distancing (94%), and avoiding public gatherings (93%). Higher numbers of recent healthcare visits (b = 0.62, p < 0.05) and expressed fear of the MtD patient contracting COVID-19 (b = 0.92, p < 0.05) were associated with more RMBs. Living in a rural community (b = -0.99,p < 0.05) and a history of COVID-19 testing (b = -2.14,p < 0.01) were associated with fewer RMBs.

Our results suggest that during the COVID-19 pandemic, families affected by MtD have near universal adherence to basic RMBs. This may be motivated by fear of the severe morbidity associated with infection in MtD. Patients with frequent healthcare visits may be sicker and therefore take more precautions. Living in a rural community may also impact these behaviors. People who practice fewer RMBs may be more likely to seek testing. Our findings may generalize to other chronic diseases.