Effects of COVID-19 in Endocrine Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract: Introduction: Home confinement due to COVID-19 lockdown led to changes in daily<br> routines, including social interactions, as well as restrictions on the possibility of playing sports<br> and eating habits. These changes could have a greater impact on patients suffering from chronic<br> diseases, such as endocrine patients, especially in emotional and behavioral dimensions. Materials<br> and Methods: This study aimed to assess the effects of COVID-19-induced quarantine on daily habits<br> in a group of patients with endocrine disorders, focusing on food consumption, eating habits and<br> sleep during the confinement. Eighty-five endocrine patients were enrolled. A structured interview<br> was administered to investigate socio-demographic information, general medical conditions, and<br> habits adopted during quarantine. All patients underwent the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory<br> (STAI-Y1) to assess state anxiety. Result: Results showed that subjects mainly had a sedentary lifestyle.<br> We found a significant increase in the number of cigarettes in smokers and in meals consumed during<br> confinement, as well as a high rate of sleep disturbance, especially insomnia. Notably, physical<br> well-being resulted to be a predictive factor (OR = 0.38; 95%CI = [0.95,0.66]), whereas anxiety was a<br> risk factor for sleep disorder (OR = 1.22; 95%CI = [1.10,1.40]), as was working in public and private<br> offices and being a student. Conclusions: Changes in daily habits were likely due to the alterations<br> in routine, resulting in greater boredom and inactivity during the day. In addition, future research<br> should focus on the importance of patient adherence to therapy.