The Effect of COVID-19 on Anxiety Levels of Children with CF and Healthy Peers

Yanaz, Muruvvet; Yilmaz Yegit, Cansu; Ergenekon, Almala Pinar; Toksoy Aksoy, Ayse; Bilicen, Gulcin; Gokdemir, Yasemin; Erdem Eralp, Ela; Rodopman Arman, Ayse; Karakoc, Fazilet; Karadag, Bulent

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 our country 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 were found to be less anxious for family members having the risk of COVID-19, less upset for 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.