Impact of COVID-19 on disease (self) management and well-being in people with Rheumatic or Musculoskeletal diseases...

Qualitative data on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the lives of people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) in different European countries are lacking.

To describe the impact of the first two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with inflammatory RMDs concerning (self)management of their disease, interaction with the health care team, emotional well-being and overall health.

A mixed-methods study of adults (>18 years) with RMDs on immunosuppression from Cyprus, England, Greece, and Portugal took part on online focus groups (FG) after the first wave (July-August, 2020). The data was transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed. Informed by the qualitative findings, a follow-up survey was developed for the same participants after the second wave, allowing to compare the perceived impact.

Twenty-four patients (6 from each country; 21 women; 33-74 years range) participated. Three key themes were identified (with 3-7 subthemes each), focusing on the impact of COVID-19 on the: (i) individual, (ii) health settings, and (iii) work and community. Overall, qualitative results were similar across countries. The follow-up survey during the second wave highlighted a worsening of psychosocial aspects, e.g. sleep problems, stress, and isolation.

People with RMDs felt vulnerable and anxious, specifically about how to cope with isolation and difficulties in communicating with healthcare providers. The second wave had a more significant impact on patients. Healthcare providers and policymakers need to consider measures to ameliorate the longer-term impact that many may still face.