Fear, Phobia, Anxiety and Depression Symptom Levels in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients During the COVID-19 Outbreak

Aim: This study aims to investigate the psychological symptom levels associated with COVID-19 in rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis in remission.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 1 and December 31, 2020.Two hundred forty-eight patients meeting the criteria were included in the study.Coronavirus-induced fear, phobia, depression, and anxiety symptoms were evaluated.For this purpose, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), Covid-19 Phobia Scale (C19P-S), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were used.Results: Most of the participants had high levels of fear, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.C19P-S, FCV-19S, BDI, and BAI scores showed significant simultaneous correlations (p<0.05, each other).The scores of the patients using Biological DMARDs (Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) were significantly higher (p <0.001).The scores of the healthcare workers were significantly higher (p <0.001).Among those who interrupted their routine outpatient visits, the rate of those who did not catch COVID-19 was higher (74.7%) (p <0.01).Common risk factors for symptoms of fear, anxiety, and depression associated with COVID-19 were concomitant illness and being a healthcare worker.Conclusions: By transferring current recommendations on COVID-19 and chronic diseases to more patients, exaggerated fear caused by both their diseases and the drugs used can be prevented, and the continuation of the treatment can be contributed.In addition, if necessary, consulting the relevant departments for supportive and medical treatments may contribute to the continuation of the treatment and the prevention of the activation of the disease.