Exploring the awareness, attitudes, and actions (AAA) of UK adults at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19

Abstract

Background People at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 have experienced greater restrictions during the pandemic, yet there is a paucity of research exploring their lived experience. Objectives This study explored the impact of COVID-19 on people identified as at high risk of severe illness by UK Government, and in particular, the impact of the first lockdown on access to healthcare, medications and use of technological platforms. Methods 1038 UK adults who identified as at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 in line with UK Government guidance or self-identified with acute or other chronic health conditions, completed the Awareness, Attitudes and Actions survey which explored the impact of COVID-19 on access to healthcare, management of long-term health condition, mental health, and health behaviours. Results Most participants reported feelings of vulnerability, anxiety and isolation, noticed that other people changed their behaviour towards them including a feeling of being stigmatised by people not categorised as high risk. Participants described the largely negative impact that the COVID-19 lockdown had on to health-related behaviours and access to healthcare, which had resulted in large declines in mental health and wellbeing. Participants also indicated disappointment at the UK Governments response and handling of the COVID-19 lockdown. Implications This study provides novel evidence of the lived experience of the first COVID-19 lockdown for people identified as at high risk of severe illness. In the context of behavioural health interventions, the ubiquity of digital technologies and their adoption into day-to-day life translates into greater potential reach than traditional interventions, and consequently, greater potential for positive public health impact. Findings should be considered by policymakers and healthcare professionals to support people now and as we transition through the recovery phase with a particular emphasis on supporting mental health and changes to the management of long-term health conditions.

At home and at risk: The experiences of Irish adults living with obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Furthermore, research on the experiences of adults categorised as at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 revealed that many noticed that other people changed their behaviour towards them during the pandemic. 16 Although not directly focused on the experiences of people living with obesity, this study highlights how adults in the ‘at risk’ category felt stigmatised by people not categorised as high risk.…”

An Investigation into the Physical Activity Experiences of People Living with and beyond Cancer during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…In some instances, participants reported that the cessation of the face-to-face CARE exercise classes delivered indoors had initially negatively impacted on their PA routines. Research has shown how the government restrictions have had a detrimental impact on people’s routines, including accessing services [ 23 ], while other research has indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in reductions in PA levels [ 2 ], including the PA of breast cancer survivors [ 25 ]. In this study, some CARE participants reported that their PA participation had lapsed at the start of the COVID-19 restrictions.…”

“…Further, we sought the views of the staff who delivered the programme, who provided informative perspectives on the delivery of the CARE programme through online and outdoor modes of provision during unprecedented time of healthcare delivery. Our study adopts a bottom-up approach, by sharing participants’ experiences called for in intervention guidance [ 45 ] and provides stakeholders of CARE with a voice to share their experiences during the pandemic and called for in the literature [ 23 ]. Further, in the discussion, this research also provides important practical considerations for how PA services were offered to PLWBC during periods of government COVID-19 restrictions, including what works well, as well as what does not, which is often overlooked in evaluation reports [ 46 ].…”

“…The impact of the CARE programme delivered through traditional face-to-face methods and at indoor venues has been reported elsewhere [ 19 ]. With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the implementation of COVID-19 restrictions [ 23 ] and the closure of all but essential services, NCF were required to pause the delivery of face-to-face sport and leisure services including those held at the Portland Centre. However, in aspiring to meet the needs of CARE participants, a decision was made by NCF to offer the CARE programme to participants using the following modes of delivery as and when permitted under the government COVID-19 restrictions in place at the time.…”

“…Further, it was recommended that ‘people who were identified as being at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19, follow more stringent restrictions compared to people without a high-risk status; high risk status was based on an existing chronic health condition such as coronary heart disease, chronic kidney disease and diabetes, aged 70 years or above and if a person was pregnant’ [ 23 ]. People considered as ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ and especially suspectable to the contraction of the COVID-19 virus, also included some PLWBC and it has been suggested that based on available data, COVID-19 appears to affect people of all ages; however, those who are older and have pre-existing medical conditions, including cancer, may be at higher risk for serious medical complications [ 24 ].…”