Abstract
Introduction: Currently, the Austrian health care system is facing major challenges due to the ongoing pandemic situation. The measures to contain the spread of the virus mean that necessary treatments and therapies for people with chronic conditions are not being carried out as usual or are being carried out only to a limited extent. Especially people who live with a cardiovascular disease such as heart failure need regular and individual treatment and support. The consequences of limited medical care for individuals could increase the burden of disease and could lead to higher mortality.
Aim of the study and methods: The aim of the study is to learn how people with cardiovascular diseases perceive the accessibility of the Austrian health care system during the Covid waves and to explore their health behavior and lifestyle during the Covid pandemic.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 35 persons 40+ with cardiovascular diseases. Interviews were conducted by mutual agreement face-to-face in compliance with the applicable covid safety regulations or via zoom. Interviews took place between November 2020 and January 2021 and between November 2021 and January 2022. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Content analysis was aided by the software program MAXQDA version 20.
Results: Content analysis yielded five main themes: (1) individual experiences during the covid pandemic, (2) fears during the pandemic, (3) accessibility of the health care system, (4) health behavior and lifestyle, (5) attitudes towards vaccination. Interview partners who already had a close relationship with their family doctor before the pandemic did not notice any restrictions in accessibility during the lockdowns. Some interviewees, especially those who didn`t have a person of trust in the health care system, reported issues in contacting doctors for medical advice or treatment. Interview partners predominantly from rural areas reported a shift in individual health behavior and lifestyle. They managed their disease more independently and actively promoted a healthy lifestyle. Motivation and support from their social network (partners, friends, relatives) played a crucial role for managing and maintaining the shift in lifestyle. Social contacts and nature were essential for keeping a mental balance during the pandemic.
Conclusion: Study results emphasize the importance to incorporate the social network of people with chronical diseases in health and lifestyle coaching programs. Furthermore, study results highlight the importance of having a contact person of trust who regularly monitors the physical and psychical health status especially for persons at risk of loneliness.
Applicability of results and limitations: Study results reveal motivational factors that need to be considered when empowering patients and designing lifestyle coaching programs. This qualitative work has limited representativity, further quantitative research should explore potential geographical differences in accessibility to health care services and in individual health behavior of people with cardiovascular diseases.