Perception and Attitude of Lebanese IBD Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objective The emergence of the COVID pandemic affected daily living and healthcare access of IBD patients, due to delays of elective procedures and in-hospital treatments. Our aim is to determine the repercussions of the pandemic on the daily habits of IBD patients and on their compliance to follow-up and treatment. Methods This was a cross-sectional observational study. A questionnaire was administered in between 2020 and 2022 to IBD patients in a tertiary center in Lebanon. The outcomes measured were patient perceptions regarding COVID and how it affected their treatment. Results A total of 201 answers were included in the analysis with male predominance. Two-thirds had Crohn’s disease. Near 80% were afraid of being infected by COVID-19 and 87.6% were afraid of physical contact. 91.5% reduced their daily habits and 96.0% have used personal protective equipment. 47.3% of the patients report that there are factors that reduced their worries, the most common factor being contacting their physician (61.0%). The main source of information was the treating physician (37.8%). A quarter of patients think that their condition predisposed to COVID-19 infection and about two-thirds believe that immunosuppressive therapy did so. The same amount reported concern regarding visiting the hospital. 27.4% preferred telemedicine and 44.8% preferred over-The-phone consultation to an in-person visit. Three-quarters were in favor of vaccination. 59.6% delayed their in-center treatment, which was associated with a reduction in daily life activities. 13.9% wanted to discontinue their treatment, which was associated with smoking, cardiovascular, and rheumatological comorbidities, but only 4% did so. Conclusion The pandemic had significant repercussions on the everyday life of IBD patients, with some preferring to consult via telemedicine and others considering stopping their treatment.

Motivational Interviewing as a Strategy to Improve Adherence in IBD Treatment: An Integrative Review Amidst COVID-19 Disruptions

“…The management of chronically ill patients was greatly affected by the pandemic, given the significant mental and physical impact on their behaviors, attitudes, and perceptions [ 66 , 69 , 70 , 71 ]. This has resulted in an ongoing cycle of stress, depression, and disease activity relapse [ 24 ], along with notably diminished adherence to prescribed medications [ 24 , 72 ].…”

“…Two studies have shown that a significant number of patients with IBD have delayed or canceled hospital visits due to fear of contracting COVID-19 [ 71 , 73 ]. In Lebanon, over 50% of patients with IBD in the study delayed hospital treatment [ 71 ], while in Korea, more than half of the patients surveyed canceled or postponed their hospital visits [ 73 ]. However, telemedicine and phone consultations have emerged as viable solutions to ensure that patients with IBD receive the care they need [ 71 , 74 ].…”

“…In Lebanon, over 50% of patients with IBD in the study delayed hospital treatment [ 71 ], while in Korea, more than half of the patients surveyed canceled or postponed their hospital visits [ 73 ]. However, telemedicine and phone consultations have emerged as viable solutions to ensure that patients with IBD receive the care they need [ 71 , 74 ]. Patients have shown a high level of satisfaction with these approaches [ 71 ].…”

“…However, telemedicine and phone consultations have emerged as viable solutions to ensure that patients with IBD receive the care they need [ 71 , 74 ]. Patients have shown a high level of satisfaction with these approaches [ 71 ]. Telemedicine, in particular, has proven to be an optimal solution during the COVID-19 pandemic and has highlighted new therapeutic approaches centered around counseling and motivational interviewing techniques to improve treatment adherence in individuals with IBD [ 23 , 75 ].…”