Open Access

COVID-19 impact on adults with congenital heart disease self-perceived vulnerability and coping

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Date: 8 June 2022
Journal: European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing , Volume 21 , Issue 8 , Pages 868 - 872
Authors: J. Steiner , A. Corage Baden , E. Abu-Rish Blakeney , V. Freeman , K. Stout , A. Rosenberg , R. Engelberg , J. Curtis

ESC Journals

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic poses risk for worsened quality of life in patients with adult congenital heart disease. In a qualitative thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews conducted July 2020 to August 2021, we examined the pandemic’s impact on participants’ (N = 25) experiences with self-perception and coping. All had moderate or complex disease; median age 32 years. The pandemic altered some participants’ self-perception, including increased vulnerability beyond heart-attributed risk. Restrictions frequently prevented participants from using their usual coping strategies, forcing use of alternative methods. For an already at-risk population, these findings suggest the need for increased mental health awareness, assessment, and support.

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About the contributors

Jill M Steiner

Role: Author

Andrea Corage Baden

Role: Author

Erin Abu-Rish Blakeney

Role: Author