IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 QUARANTINE ON THE MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH OF POST-BARIATRIC SURGERY WOMEN: A QUALITATIVE STUDY.

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) greatly impacted patients undergoing bariatric surgery due to prolonged quarantine and lockdown measures.

Aims: The aim of this study was to qualitatively investigate the impact of the COVID-19 quarantine and lockdown measures on the mental and emotional health of post-bariatric surgery women.

Methods: A qualitative study was carried out, with individual interviews conducted via video calls using a video-communication service (Google Meet®). The moderator guide inquired about three pre-established topics based on the literature: mental and emotional health, social relationship, and the use of health technology.

Results: A total of 12 women participated in this study, with an average age of 43±9.83 years, a body mass of 82.33±13.83 kg, a height of 1.62±0.06 m, a body mass index of 26.32±2.97 kg/m2, and post-surgery time of 12.83±4.37 months. The interviews had an average duration of 50.71±7.26 min. Our results suggested a negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on aspects of mental and emotional health, such as increased anxiety, depressive symptoms, fear, stress, and anguish, which were somehow diminished in patients who were closer to family members. Bariatric surgery was mentioned as a positive aspect by the patients for coping with clinical risk conditions.

Conclusions: The study showed a negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on aspects of mental and emotional health mostly due to lockdown measures, which led to social isolation and an increased burden with household chores.