Dataset Information

[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: The point of view of patient associations].

ABSTRACT:

Introduction and objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic is causing great social and health impact. We need to involve patients in identifying their new needs in this situation. The aim of this study was to assess the perception of organisations associated with the Spanish Patients' Forum regarding the pandemic.

Material and methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study using an online survey. Organisations associated with the FEP participated over the second half of May 2020. The questionnaire was pre-assessed by professionals and patients. The subject areas were overall effect of the pandemic, impact, the role of patient associations, limitations, and challenges. A descriptive analysis of the quantitative variables and a content analysis of the qualitative information were performed.

Results

The participation rate was 88.7%. The respondents highlighted the impact of the pandemic on the quality of life and well-being of patients and their families. They also reported the effect of the baseline disease and delay in treatment and testing. The pandemic has also affected patient associations.

Conclusions

The pandemic has had an impact at the level of healthcare and other spheres of society. Patients' health, quality of life and use of health services have been affected. The need is highlighted to involve patients, their families, and legal representatives in the search for solutions adapted to the current needs of these groups.

SUBMITTER: Navarro Rubio MD

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8185189 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:Background: In countries with high SARS-CoV-2 circulation, the pandemic has presented many challenges on different fronts, affecting lives and livelihoods; efforts to keep schools open are among the most important. In France, to keep schools open, wearing a face mask has been mandatory for children from age 6 years since November 2020. Objective: To evaluate the acceptability and tolerance of this measure by children as well as both parents and pediatricians. Setting: Parents registered on the website of the French Association of Ambulatory Pediatrics and pediatricians members of this association. Participants: All parents and pediatricians who agreed to take part in the survey. Results: Among the 2,954 questionnaires for the parents' survey, the reasons for wearing a mask were understood by 54.6% of parents, most of whom (84.6%) explained the reasons to their children. The parents applied this measure because it was mandatory (93.4%) even if they disagreed (63.3%). When interviewed by parents, children said they were usually embarrassed (80.9%) by the mask. The main symptoms or changes of behavior attributed to the mask according to parents were headache (49.0%), speaking difficulties (45%), change in mood (45.2%) and breathing discomfort (28.1%). Among the 663 pediatricians who responded, many agreed with mandatory mask-wearing at age 6 years (67.7%). Overall, 15% of pediatricians systematically asked about the mask tolerance during the consultation. During the medical consultation, when the parents complained about the mask (64.3%), the main drawbacks were related to fog on glasses (reported by 68.2% of pediatricians), breathing discomfort (53.1% of pediatricians), cutaneous disorders (42.4% of pediatricians) and headaches (38.2% of pediatricians). Conclusion: Despite the many inconveniences reported, children agree to wear the mask better than their parents think. Pediatricians should sufficiently take the opportunity during the consultation to further explain the reasons for wearing the mask because their pedagogical role is crucial.