COVID-19 ⚕️ Research Links Loneliness and Isolation During COVID-19 to Depression and Anxiety in People with Rheumatic Diseases

Monday, 10 April 2023 12:00.PM

Mental health issues are a constant struggle for people with rheumatic diseases. A study by Arthritis Research Canada conducted during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic has identified connections between social isolation and loneliness, and depression and anxiety.

The main objective of the study was to understand how the pandemic affected disease management, focusing on medications and mental health. Validated measures were used to evaluate loneliness, social isolation, depression and anxiety.

The research took place between April and September 2020 through an anonymous international cross-sectional online survey to 718 individuals of 18 years and older with rheumatic diseases. This was followed up by a second survey from December 2020 to February 2021, this was completed by 344 participants from the baseline survey.

"Our research has identified long-term implications despite the notion that COVID is over," said Alyssa Howren, Research Trainee at Arthritis Research Canada.

The results showed that 51.1% of participants experienced loneliness, and 30.03% faced social isolation. Meanwhile, 42.8% suffered from depression and 34% experienced symptoms anxiety at baseline. Researchers also observed that when loneliness and isolation were present simultaneously, there was a notable increase on both anxiety and depression. By identifying these connections, this research has far reaching implications beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It is critical to consider ongoing impacts of COVID-19 for people living with rheumatic disease who are immunocompromised or immunosuppressed, and continue to experience the negative effects of loneliness and social isolation," said Mary de Vera, Research Scientist at Arthritis Research Canada.

SOURCE: Arthritis Research Canada

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