2023, Volume 16, Issue 12, pp 1864 – 1868

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel diseases

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Authors and Affiliations

Corresponding Author: Roxana-Delia Zaharie, Department of Gastroenterology, Octavian Fodor Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania Department of Gastroenterology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. E-mail: zahariedeliaroxana@gmail.com

Abstract

Understanding the profound impact of a viral pandemic on the mental health of patients with autoimmune diseases undergoing biological treatment is crucial for future insights. This cross-sectional case-control study aimed to assess the mental health implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Romania, spanning from November 2022 to March 2023. A specialized self-report questionnaire in the Romanian language was developed to measure the multifaceted effects of COVID-19 on the mental well-being of these patients. The findings revealed a significant decline in the mental health of patients with IBD during the pandemic compared to the control group. Patients with IBD exhibited elevated levels of anxiety and concern regarding the virus. Intriguingly, despite the challenges, the vaccination rate was notably higher among patients with IBD, indicating a proactive approach to safeguarding their health. The study also shed light on various coping mechanisms employed by patients with IBD to navigate the pandemic-related restrictions. Engaging in activities such as social media and computer games emerged as effective strategies for managing heightened stress and limitations. In conclusion, the emergence of a novel viral pathogen represents a significant distress factor for patients with autoimmune diseases. Recognizing and comprehending these consequences enhances our understanding of the intricate interplay between physical and mental health and equips authorities with valuable insights to better manage future epidemics or viral outbreaks. This study underscores the importance of tailored support systems and strategies for patients with autoimmune diseases during global health crises.

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About this article

PMC ID: 10994603
PubMed ID: 
DOI: 10.25122/jml-2023-0475

Article Publishing Date (print): 12 2023
Available Online: 

Journal information

ISSN Printing: 1844-122X
ISSN Online: 1844-3117
Journal Title: Journal of Medicine and Life

Copyright License: Open Access

This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use and redistribution provided that the original author and source are credited.


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