The Effects of Lockdowns and Restrictions During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives and Experiences From Ankylosing Spondylitis patients.

OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting our world and all people for 2 years and It has been the subject of many studies that have been published in the literature. Common result of these studies is that the pandemic has increased people's stress levels and also many papers report the negative impact of the pandemic on private patient populations, such as those with chronic diseases, but there are no clinical studies in Turkey that have revealed the effects of pandemic restrictions on patients with rheumatic diseases yet. Our study aims to evaluate the effects of quarantine and restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis. METHOD: This study was carried out in the USAK province of Turkey with patients with ankylosing spondylitis aged 18-65 years. After a detailed literature review, a 35-question questionnaire was prepared. This survey was aimed at determining the treatment routines and habits of patients during the COVID-19 restriction period, such as exercise and nutritional status. At the same time, the effects of the closure and restriction period on the mental health of patients were investigated.During this period, the availability of doctors and medicines of patients was questioned. RESULTS: All participants reported an impact of lockdown. 43.7% reported lesser exercising levels than before the lockdown. These patients mainly consumed more vitamin C (65.7), as media advice for the public. However, despite specialist advice, some patients consumed more alcohol (21.4%). 78% of the patients reported sleep-wake rhythms markedly changed under restriction and the majority of patients could not go to a rheumatologist for follow-up. CONCLUSION: The majority of the AS did not consult specialists or physicians during the lockdown period but most of them continued their medications to control the disease activity