✅ Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of patients with cardiovascular disease in Australia: mixed-methods study

Health

Objectives The study explored the perceived impacts of COVID-19 and its associated policies and social restrictions on health, self-management and access to healthcare. Design Cross-sectional observational (online survey) and qualitative study (semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis). Setting Australia. Participants People with self-reported cardiovascular disease (CVD) and/or risk factors. Results Survey responses were collected from 690 participants (43.8% women, 40.1% over 65 years). Participants reported that their heart health had been affected by the pandemic (26.3%), were less likely to exercise (47.1%), have a healthy diet (25.9%) and take medications (9.4%). A large proportion were admitted to hospital (46.2%) and presented to the emergency department (40.6%).

BMJ     Jul 19, 2024