The Follow-Up and Well-Being of Geriatric Outpatients During COVID-19 Pandemic in Cameroon: Insights From the Yaounde Central Hospital

Abstract

Although total confinement has not been adopted by the government of Cameroon, the COVID-19 pandemic is keeping geriatric patients out of hospital, despite a decline in their health status. In addition, the pandemic might have a significant effect on their general well-being. This study aimed to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the follow-up and well-being of older outpatients seen at geriatric consultation in Cameroon. We carried out a telephone survey of patients who did not attend an appointment at our geriatrics outpatient clinic on April 2020. Overall, 30 participants were recruited of whom 70% were female ( n = 21) with a median age of 74 years (IQR 68.8–85). Most patients (73%, n = 22) did not attend their appointment because of fear of being infected by SARS-CoV-2 at hospital. Approximately 23% ( n = 7) of participants reported a decline of their functional status since the last geriatric visit. Loss of appetite and weight loss were both reported in 30% ( n = 9) of patients. Half of participants ( n = 15) self-rated their health status as bad and three of them died in private health facilities. Strategies to ensure a continuum of care for this vulnerable population during this pandemic are highly needed in our setting.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Older Adults: Rapid Review

“…Moreover, 15 (11.1%) studies included persons with specific conditions such as Alzheimer disease [ 33 - 35 ], Parkinson disease [ 36 ], frontotemporal lobar degeneration [ 37 ], severe cognitive impairments [ 38 ], ovarian cancer [ 39 ], gynecological cancer [ 40 ], patients with cancer actively treated with systemic therapy [ 41 ], pre-existing depression [ 42 ], chronic conditions [ 43 ], long-term respiratory conditions [ 44 ], migraine [ 45 ], epilepsy [ 46 ], and visual impairments [ 47 ]. A total of 29 (21.5%) studies were conducted in North America [ 40 , 42 , 43 , 48 - 73 ], 14 (10.3%) in China [ 46 , 74 - 86 ], 61 (45.1%) in Europe [ 33 - 38 , 41 , 44 , 87 - 139 ], 3 (2.2%) in Japan [ 140 - 142 ], 4 (3.0%) in Israel [ 143 - 146 ], 4 (3.0%) in Brazil [ 147 - 150 ], 4 (3.0%) in Australia [ 151 - 154 ], 2 (1.5%) in India [ 155 , 156 ], 1 (0.7%) in Malaysia [ 157 ], 2 (1.5%) in Kuwait [ 45 , 158 ], 1 (0.7%) in Saudi Arabia [ 159 ], 3 (2.2%) in Argentina [ 160 - 162 ], 1 (0.7%) in Cameroon [ 163 ], 1 (0.7%) in Russia [ 164 ], 1 (0.7%) in Ghana [ 47 ], 1 (0.7% in Cyprus [ 165 ], and 3 (2.2%) in multiple countries [ 39 , 166 , 167 ].…”

“…Regarding the impairment of organic systems, higher age was associated with poorer health status [ 80 ] and in some cases, a decline of functional status [ 163 ]. Decreases in mobility, functionality, vitality, and physical conditions were also noted [ 36 , 148 ].…”

“…One study reported that treatment delays and postponed appointments were more common among older adults [ 130 ], whereas another reported this was more commonly observed among younger people [ 40 ]. More patients missed medical appointments during the pandemic as compared to the prepandemic timepoints [ 84 , 163 ], and rehabilitation services were discontinued for the majority due to the quarantine [ 160 ]. Finally, as compared to the previous years, psychiatry consultations for older individuals had reduced in one study [ 113 ] but reported to have increased in another [ 76 ].…”

Weight loss, malnutrition, and cachexia in COVID‐19: facts and numbers

“…In addition to the reports discussed in Table 1, the study of Essomba et al 13 . reported on weight loss in 30 COVID‐19 patients based on self‐reported statements that such weight loss was present.…”

Impactos da pandemia da Covid-19 no autocuidado de idosos: Uma revisão integrativa

“…Outrossim, um estudo observou que a preocupação com o futuro e o estresse emocional foram sentimentos relatados com grande frequência pelos idosos no decorrer da pandemia da COVID-19 (Whitehead & Torossian, 2020). As iniquidades sociais, o desamparo na saúde pública e as condições econômicas impactaram negativamente na saúde da população idosa, tornando-os mais vulneráveis e inseguros (Chen, 2020;Ntsama Essomba et al, 2020).…”