Evaluation of Coronavirus Phobia and Depression in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease

Objective: Although there are numerous studies examining the psychological effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the general population, the number of studies on individuals with cardiovascular disease is limited. This study aimed to determine coronavirus phobia and depressive symptoms and their possible associated factors in cardiovascular disease patients during the current pandemic period. Material and methods: In this cross-sectional study, patients applied to the cardiology outpatient clinic due to a cardiovascular disease between November-December, 2020, and individuals without any cardiovascular diseases were included. Participants answered a questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic variables, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and COVID-19 Phobia Scale (CP19-S). Results: In total, 372 people participated. The CPS-19 and PHQ-9 total scores of the patient group were higher than the control group. Patients reported that they most afraid of someone in the family might infected with the coronavirus. PHQ-9 total scores of females, CP19-S and PHQ-9 total scores of those with a history of psychiatric illness were high. Psychological, somatic, social subscale scores, CP19-S and PHQ-9 total scores of married patients were lower than singles. High leveled-education increased CP19-S total, psychological and social sub-scores. While the psychological and somatic subscale scores of the smokers were high, their PHQ-9 total scores were low. Those admitted to intensive care due to COVID-19 reflected low economic subscale and CP19-S total scores. Correlation analysis detected a correlation between the CP19-S subscale, total scores and PHQ-9 total scores. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has psychologically affected cardiovascular patients. Evaluation of this effect may guide the taking of measures that will contribute to the prognosis and mortality of patients with cardiovascular disease.