Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic on Parkinson's Disease: A Cross‐Sectional Survey of 568 Spanish Patients

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to know the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on Spanish patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS: This is a descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study. An anonymous online survey with 95 questions was distributed among patients. Responses were collected from 11 May 2020 to 20 July 2020. RESULTS: Of a total of 570 questionnaires received, 568 (99.6%) were considered valid for the analysis (mean age, 63.5 ± 12.5 years; 53% females). A total of 553 patients (97.4%) were aware of the COVID-19 pandemic and 68.8% were concerned about it; 95.6% took preventive measures. A total of 484 patients (85.2%) had no contact with cases of COVID-19, and only 15 (2.6%) had confirmed COVID-19. Although up to 72.7% remained active during confinement, 65.7% perceived a worsening of their symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Spanish patients with PD perceived the COVID-19 pandemic with concern and responsibility. More than half experienced worsening of their symptoms during confinement. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.