The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Objectives: To follow-up pediatric CF patients—in terms of health status and nutritional status—via Telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional aims were to measure the level of anxiety in the patients and their parents, and to determine the COVID-19 transmission status in the CF patients. Materials and Methods: The CF team supported the patients via remote contact, including dedicated telephone lines. During Telehealth Services interviews, in addition to obtaining information about the patients’ anthropometric measurements, health status, and CF-related complaints, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was administered to the patients and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) was administered to their parents. Results: The study included 144 pediatric CF patients (74 male and 70 female). Mean age of the patients was 8.9 years. In all, 42 (29.2%) of the patients were tested for COVID-19, of which 4 were positive. The mean STAI score was significantly lower in the patient group than in the control group (P < 0.001). The mean HAD anxiety score was significantly higher in the parents of the CF patients, as compared to the parents of the controls (P = 0.005). The mean HAD depression score was also statistically higher in the parents of the CF patients (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Telehealth is an innovative method for providing healthcare services while maintaining social distancing, avoiding the risk of exposure and spread of COVID-19. Telehealth services reduce patients’ and parents’ anxiety, and increases their confidence in managing CF-related complications.