P94: THE IMPACT OF COVID‐19 ON PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY IMMUNODEFICIENCIES: A STUDY INTO THE PHYSIOLOGICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Linda Lin 1,2, Ethan Italiano1,3 Carolyn Dews4
1 Medical Foundation Building, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia, 2 Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia, 3 Heart Research Institute, Newtown, Australia, 4 Immune Deficiencies Foundation Australia, Woollongong, Australia
Background: The adverse effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic, physiologically, psychologically, and sociologically, on individuals living with primary and secondary immunodeficiencies have not been clearly determined.
Objective: To determine the extent of impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on individuals living with primary and secondary immunodeficiencies.
Method: An online survey was distributed to members of the Immune Deficiencies Foundation Australia (IDFA) with a diagnosis of PID/SID. The survey was designed to observe numerous impacts, including physical and mental health, ability to receive treatment, opinions on vaccines and reintegration into society.
Results: The majority of individuals have contracted COVID‐19, with 67% positive at least once, with 53% experiencing symptoms of long COVID. 72% of individuals are concerned about contracting COVID‐19, with 89% concerned about long‐term consequences, reflected by the 96% vaccination rate. 48% of individuals experienced moderate stress, while 42% experienced a mental health decline, necessitating coping behaviours to combat this. Numerous behavioural changes were observed, including increased time on the internet (72%) and TV (60%), as well as increases in junk food consumption (56%) and decreases in fruits and vegetables (27%). Certain sociological changes were also observed, with 89% of individuals maintaining safety measures after they have been lifted, and 37% refusing to travel.
Conclusions: The PID/SID community is aware of the health risks and challenges that the COVID‐19 pandemic poses, and have adjusted accordingly, demonstrated in the creation of coping behaviours, maintaining safety regulations, and displaying justified levels of caution and hesitancy. However, the impact of the pandemic, physiologically, psychologically, and sociologically is amplified as the PID/SID cohort is of high risk, highlighting the importance of continuous medical care for this population.