Perceptions of Romanian Physicians on Lockdowns for COVID-19 Prevention

Abstract

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disease (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic in March 2020, triggering important changes for the entire society and healthcare systems, as well as significant lockdown measures aimed to limit the disease spread. We herein intended to catch the dynamic of Romanian physicians’ perceptions of COVID-19 impact. For this purpose, after a literature review, a 30-item questionnaire was designed. The questionnaire was twice distributed online, about 1 month apart, during which partial relaxation measures were decreed in Romania. The questionnaire was voluntarily filled in by Romanian physicians who were willing to participate in the study. A total of 214 physicians answered the questionnaire upon its first release, and 199 respondents were registered upon its second release, most of whom (94.9%) were involved in clinical work, with one-third working in units dedicated to COVID-19 patients. In parallel with the relaxation of lockdown measures, along with increased confidence in the efficiency of protective measures (46.7% vs. 31.3%), separation from household members decreased from 36.9% to 22.1%. Nevertheless, the feeling of rejection felt by doctors remained similar (22.4% vs. 24.6%). Furthermore, answers regarding the clinical picture, diagnostic approach, and treatment options are discussed. Most of therapeutic options considered for SARS-CoV-2 treatment (e.g., lopinavir/ritonavir, oseltamivir, hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, tocilizumab, and convalescent plasma) failed to confirm significant efficiency. On the contrary, vaccines for widescale use are already available despite the initial skepticism. In the beginning of the pandemic, 25.2% (18.2% vs. 32.2%) considered that there will not be an effective COVID-19 vaccine, while 41.6% (43.0% vs. 40.2%) thought that a vaccine would be available after at least 12 months. In conclusion, initially, following only a 1 month period, Romanian physicians’ intention to consider treatments such as hydroxychloroquine or lopinavir/ritonavir for COVID-19 decreased significantly. Moreover, confidence in the efficiency of available protective measures increased, and the rates of separation from household members decreased.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with primary Sjögren syndrome

“…The shortage of information regarding the interaction of SARS-CoV2 vaccine with autoimmune diseases [ 6 ], especially the fear of background disease aggravation and lack of correct immune response and protection [ 13 ], determined medical organizations to promote educational materials [ 6 ]. It should be noted that similar fears were reported by physicians as well [ 12 , 15 ].…”

“…Regarding reported side effects after one dose, the most prevalent side effects were only mild ones, like pain at the site of injection, weakness and myalgias, comparable with that reported in the general population [ 12 ].…”

Post-Lockdown Effects on Students’ Mental Health in Romania: Perceived Stress, Missing Daily Social Interactions, and Boredom Proneness

“…Studies related to the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak on students' mental health in Romania are limited [58]. While many studies analyse the general population's perception of the pandemic [59], different population groups' attitudes and responses to the restrictive measures [60,61], and the influence of the pandemic on the economy [62] or quality of life [63], few studies have focused on its psychological impact [64].…”

Competing risks survival data under middle censoring—An application to COVID-19 pandemic

“…After the Coronavirus Infectious Disease (COVID-19) first appeared in Wuhan, China in December 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a global pandemic on March 11, 2020 due to its global spread [1] . COVID-19 is transmitted mainly during coughing and sneezing; fecal-oral transmission is also reported in a few cases.…”