Emotional state and self-perception of quality of life of patients with Parkinson’s disease in the first wave of COVID-19 in Cali, Colombia

Introduction: Since March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 as a pandemic. This crisis had big challenges for the patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), due to the effects related to changes in daily routines, the practice of leisure activities, relationships and mental health leading to secondary deterioration. Our aim was to characterize the emotional state and quality of life in a cohort of patients with Parkinson’s disease as well as to explore the perception of the quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: This investigation was conducted as an exploratory mixed study. Descriptive analysis for sociodemographic and clinical variables and, a discourse analysis was carried out based on categories related to the perception of quality of life of patients with PD. Categories analyzed were: Covid-19 pandemic, caregivers, adaptation strategies, management of the disease, and leisure activities. Results: There were twelve patients total in this study. 75% were men with a median age of 75 (SD 2.9). 50% presented mild levels of anxiety and 41% presented mild and severe depression. The QoL was affected for: mobility 37.5 (IRC 10.6-45), body discomfort 25 (IQR 10.4-45.8) and, cognition 21.9 (IQR 14-34.3). 89% lived with their wife and 67% of women lived with one of their children. Discussion: The interview about perception of QoL during Covid-19 pandemic allowed to understand that individual experiences are crucial to improve the management and empowerment the patients, caregivers and families. Conclusion: Quality of life is a factor made up of dynamic dimensions and it is influenced for subjective perspective and changes in environment as a Covid-19 pandemic.