EFFECT OF COVID-19 QUARANTINE ON BEHAVIORAL PATTERNS AND MOOD IN INDIVIDUALS WITH AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate changes in physical activity levels, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and alterations in eating behaviors among patients with axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) during the COVID-19 quarantine period, and to explore the relationship of these factors with disease activity. Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted at a tertiary rheumatology outpatient clinic. Participants were contacted via telephone between November and December 2020 and completed a structured questionnaire. Results: A total of 204 patients with AxSpA who had been followed in the rheumatology outpatient clinic in the year preceding the pandemic, along with 106 of their first-degree relatives as controls, were included in the study. Weight gain was reported by 30% of AxSpA patients (mean 4.5±2.4 kg) and 37% of controls (mean 4.4±3.4 kg). Approximately half of the patients experienced a reduction in physical activity levels. A weak negative correlation was observed between the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), and total activity scores on the Short Questionnaire to Assess Health-Enhancing Physical Activity (SQUASH). Additionally, a significant proportion of patients reported symptoms of anxiety and depression, both of which were found to be significantly associated with disease activity. Regarding eating behaviors, low-level correlations were identified between anxiety scores and both uncontrolled and emotional eating scores. Conclusions: During the pandemic period, AxSpA patients were affected by multiple lifestyle changes such as weight gain and reduced physical activity. These lifestyle alterations were found to be associated with disease activity and functional status.