Exploring psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with diabetes in Argentina during 2020.

ÁVILA, MARÍA BELÉN; LIJTEROFF, GABRIEL; COBOS, OSCAR HERNÁN; FABIANO, MARÍA CECILIA; MACÍAS, MARÍA; OFMAN, SILVIA DEBORAH; RAMACCIOTTI, GISELA SABRINA; VECHIETTI, NÉSTOR ROBERTO; VISMARA, MELINA

Virtual

Jornada; 4th Swedish Diabetes Summit.; 2022

Lund University Diabetes Centre

Objective: To find out how the current COVID 19 pandemic had a psychological impact on routine, continuity of treatment and self-care in people with diabetes in Argentina.Method: People with diabetes, over 18 years of age, residing in Argentine. A virtual self-administered, voluntary, anonymous survey was carried out by the Argentine Diabetes Federation, through its social networks. The data collection was carried out during September 2020.The study was observational, exploratory and cross-sectional. The sample was non-probabilistic, intentional/for convenience. Frequencies and percentages were calculated. The survey inquired about sociodemographic characteristics, pandemic/isolation situation, emotional aspects in relation to COVID-19, and questions about diabetes treatment during that stage of the pandemic. A - Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) was used.Results: 326 people participated, 75% over 35 years old. The majority of participating subjects was female, 69%. The educational level corresponded 65% college or university. 70% of them were employees. More than half reported changes in their routine, 27% had difficulty obtaining their medicine and 35% expressed difficulty in accessing medical care. A third of the sample reported eating more than usual, while the vast majority had sleeping disorders. 76% stated that they were awaiting information on the pandemic and reported taking care of their metabolic status, 27% did more than before the pandemic. In addition, 84% felt accompanied. Regarding the presence of symptoms of depression, the majority were in a range between minimal and mild, while a group was located in the moderate and severe categories.Conclusions: The data found suggests the need to optimize medical care protocols, provision and regularization of medication and supplies, moreover, in the context that national and international reports that 30% of those who had a fatal outcome under 60 years of age had diabetes. The importance of promoting and continuing with education on diabetes is emphasized, whether it is in person or in a virtual format.