Cross-sectional case-control studies (Blue)
The objective of this study, recently published in Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, was to rapidly identify areas of need to help improve care in people with PD during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors applyied a survey to assess COVID-19 symptoms and the effect of the pandemic among people with and without COVID-19. People with and without PD participating in the online study Fox Insight (FI) were invited to complete a survey between April 23 and May 23, 2020. Among people reporting COVID-19 diagnoses, the authors compared symptoms and outcomes in people with and without PD. Among people not reporting COVID-19, they assessed access to healthcare and services, and PD symptoms. 7,209/9,762 active FI users responded (approximately 74% response rate), 5,429 people with PD and 1,452 without PD. COVID-19 diagnoses were reported by 51 people with and 26 without PD. Complications were more frequent in people with longer PD duration. People with PD and COVID-19 experienced new or worsening motor (63%) and non-motor (75%) symptoms. People with PD not diagnosed with COVID-19 reported disrupted medical care (64%), exercise (21%), and social activities (57%), and worsened motor (43%) and non-motor (52%) symptoms. Disruptions were more common for those living alone, with lower income and non-white race. The authors concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with wide-ranging effects on people with PD, and certain groups may be at particular risk. The online survey provided a rapid, patient-centered means to assess these effects and identify needs that may be used to improve the health of people with PD.
DOI: 10.3233/JPD-202249
