Fear of COVID-19 and its influence on palliative care patients

Abstract

Background: Fear of COVID-19 may have adverse psychological effects on palliative patients; it may also reduce their quality of life, increase physical symptoms and lead to the postponement of treatment. Aim: This study aimed to determine how the fear of COVID-19 influences factors (personal and disease-related characteristics) in palliative care patients. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional design study was conducted on 110 patients. A patient information form, the ‘Fear of COVID-19 scale’ and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status were used for data collection. Findings: The mean score obtained from the COVID-19 scale was 20.44±5.78. There was a statistical significance between the stage of disease and the fear of COVID-19 score. The fear of COVID-19 was higher for participants who had received polymerase chain reaction testing. Conclusion: There was a positive and statistically significant relationship between the oxygen flow rate and fear of COVID-19 score, as well as a statistically significant relationship between the stage of disease and fear of COVID-19 score. It was determined that the COVID-19 pandemic process affected the mental health of palliative care patients.