Changes in Health Perception among Patients with Aortic Diseases in a Severe COVID-19 Area in the West of Germany: A Longitudinal Study between the First and Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Alan Parys,
Sarah Klinge,
Alina Dönmez,
Christos Rammos,
Tienush Rassaf,
Rolf Alexander Jánosi,
Julia Lortz
Affiliations
Alan Parys
Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West-German Heart and Vascular Center Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Clinic of Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
Sarah Klinge
Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West-German Heart and Vascular Center Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Clinic of Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
Alina Dönmez
Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West-German Heart and Vascular Center Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Clinic of Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
Christos Rammos
Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West-German Heart and Vascular Center Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Clinic of Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
Tienush Rassaf
Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West-German Heart and Vascular Center Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Clinic of Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
Rolf Alexander Jánosi
Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West-German Heart and Vascular Center Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Clinic of Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
Julia Lortz
Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West-German Heart and Vascular Center Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Clinic of Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
Background and Objectives: The rapid spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become the most challenging global health pandemic since the 1918 flu. In Germany, more than 3.4 million cases are confirmed so far, including 83,000 deaths. Increased fatality rates among patients with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent this group at particular risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in health perception among patients with aortic diseases during the first (w1) and second wave (w2) of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Material and Methods: Patients (n = 262) diagnosed with aortic disease participated in telephone interviews during w1 and w2. The perception of COVID-19 as a threat was examined using relevant items of the Brief Illness Perception (BIP) questionnaire. Results: The BIP score increased from 9.18 (SD = 7.132) to 14.58 (SD = 6.956) between w1 and w2 (p Conclusions: Tailored risk communication strengthens the mental health of people in a public health crisis and ensures the success of governmental guidelines.
