Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Anxiety Levels of Children with Cystic
Fibrosis and Healthy Children
Abstract
Background Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic disease causing recurrent
respiratory tract infections. Viral respiratory tract infections are
more severe in CF. The first case of COVID-19 was seen in Turkey on
March 11, 2020 and nationwide school closure and lockdown were
implemented. School closure and home confinement might have adverse
effects on children’s physical and mental health. In this study, we
aimed to compare the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on psychological
reactions of CF patients and healthy controls. Methods This is a
controlled cross-sectional study including 7-18 year-old children with
CF. The survey included questions regarding family environment and peer
relations, self care and psychological reactions to COVID-19 pandemic.
The questionnaire was applied to children via telephone call under
parental supervision. Results We evaluated 132 CF patients and 135 their
healthy peers. Mean age was 11.5±2.9 years in CF group and 11.8±3.2
years in control group (p=0.98). There were 55 girls (41.7%) in CF
group and 81 girls (60%) in control group (p=0.027). The socioeconomic
status of families was similar. CF patients was feeling less anxious
about the COVID-19 pandemic compared to controls (p=0.01). CF patients
were found to be less anxious for family members having the risk of
COVID-19, less upset for the school closure, less anxious about the
COVID-19 pandemic (p<0.001, 0.02, 0.01 respectively).
Conclusion CF patients seem to show more resilience in coping with the
pandemic. Appropriate psychological support should be provided to them
and resilience strategies in coping with the pandemic should be
nurtured.