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Access to Healthcare during Lockdown, and its Effect on Glycaemic and Blood Pressure Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension- A Cross-sectional Study
OC58-OC63
Correspondence
Sowmya Mathew,
A-505, Maurishka Palace, Near Kadri Kambla, Kadri, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
E-mail: msowmya83@gmail.com
Introduction: The Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had an impact on the health of patients with pre-existing comorbidities due to increased risk of hospitalisation and mortality. This study looked at accessibility of healthcare and pharmacy services, preference for telemedicine and changes in the diet and lifestyle patterns of patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension during lockdown.
Aim: To assess how the lockdown impacted the accessibility to healthcare, diet and lifestyle, and its overall impact on the glycaemic and blood pressure control of this population.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was done at Father Muller Hospital, Thumbay (Dakshin Kannada district, Karnataka, India). It involved patients who had type 2 diabetes and/or hypertension and was done over a period of six months from May 31, 2020 (the day lockdown was lifted) to November 30, 2020. A questionnaire was administered. The questions related to proximity and accessibility of healthcare and pharmacy services, awareness, preference for telemedicine, availability of glucometer and blood pressure machines, and diet and lifestyle changes in lockdown were asked. The Body Mass Index(BMI), Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, and blood pressure measurements, before and after the lockdown were compared. Data was tabulated on an excel worksheet and analysed by calculating frequency (n), percentages (%), mean±standard deviation and paired t-test.
Results: A total of 115 patients were interviewed (64 females, 51 males). A total of 74.8% of patients reported that their nearby health centres were open, but only 26.1% patients chose to visit. A 95.7% of patients had no difficulty in getting medications. Few (25.2%) were aware, and fewer (17.4%) had access to telemedicine during the lockdown. The percentage of 53% would prefer telemedicine, though how many used this facility was not assessed. Most (91.3% and 85.2%, respectively) were compliant with medication and the recommended diet. A 60.7% noted no change in levels of physical activity. Those who smoked or consumed alcohol did not report any increase in consumption. An insignificant increase was noted in the BMI, systolic blood pressure and the HbA1c levels after lockdown.
Conclusion: Despite reduced access to healthcare facilities, BMI, glycaemic and blood pressure control were not significantly affected. This was probably due to the easy availability of medications, and the relatively few changes in the diet and lifestyle of most patients.