O20  Initial impact of COVID-19 on health-related quality of life in patients with rheumatic diseases from an evaluation of 1,727 patients: BAME and female patients are at higher risk

Conclusion We found significantly worse mental health scores in female patients, BAME patients and those patients that had suffered the COVID infection. Clinically extremely vulnerable patients had worse mental and physical health scores. There was no significant difference in mental health scores between p atients in different ages groups, while, as might be expected, physical health scores were significantly worse in the older age groups. These data indicate a focus on adverse psychological consequences in specific patient groups may be required for future increases in COVID infection rates. Further work on the evolving pattern of psychological responses to the pandemic in rheumatic disease is required.Disclosure N. Cleaton: None.J. Bateman: None.
Source: Rheumatology - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research