Comorbidity and COVID-19: investigating the relationship between medical and psychological well-being

• Published in: Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine 2021-12, Vol.38 (4), p.272-277
• Main Authors: Stafford, Owen, Berry, Anna, Taylor, Laura K, Wearen, Sinead, Prendergast, Cian, Murphy, Eddie, Shevlin, Mark, McHugh, Louise, Carr, Alan, Burke, Tom
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Communicable Disease Control; Comorbidity; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Mental depression; Pandemics; Quality of Life; SARS-CoV-2; Short Report; Well being
• ISSN: 0790-9667; 2051-6967
• DOI: 10.1017/ipm.2021.37

The unprecedented occurrence of a global pandemic is accompanied by both physical and psychological burdens that may impair quality of life. Research relating to COVID-19 aims to determine the effects of the pandemic on vulnerable populations who are at high risk of developing negative health or psychosocial outcomes. Having an ongoing medical condition during a pandemic may lead to greater psychological distress. Increased psychological distress may be due to preventative public health measures (e.g. lockdown), having an ongoing medical condition, or a combination of these factors. This study analyses data from an online cross-sectional national survey of adults in Ireland and investigates the relationship between comorbidity and psychological distress. Those with a medical condition (n = 128) were compared to a control group without a medical condition (n = 128) and matched according to age, gender, annual income, education, and work status during COVID-19. Participants and data were obtained during the first public lockdown in Ireland (27 March 2020-8 June 2020). Individuals with existing medical conditions reported significantly higher levels of anxiety (p < .01) and felt less gratitude (p ≤ .001). Exploratory analysis indicated that anxiety levels were significantly associated with illness perceptions specific to COVID-19. Post hoc analysis revealed that psychological well-being was not significantly related to condition type (e.g. respiratory disorders). This research supports individualised supports for people with ongoing medical conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has implications for the consideration of follow-up care specifically for mental health. Findings may also inform future public health policies and post-vaccine support strategies for vulnerable populations.