Abstract P80: Control of Vascular Risk Factors and Response to Stroke Symptoms During the Most Restrictive Period of the Covid-19 Quarantine. A Survey of Population Behavior in Argentina

Abstract

Background and objectives: In preparation for the influx of Covid-19 patients and as a contagion prevention strategy, healthcare systems reduced or discontinued provision of ‘‘non-urgent’’ care. This policy could potentially influence stroke prevention and management. We conducted a large population survey to assess the impact of mandatory social isolation on emergency consultations, routine health controls and the behavior of the population during the pandemic.

Methods: We distributed multiple-choice anonymous questionnaires through the institutional email database and through the email database of clients of a beverage distribution company. Most respondents resided in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires. This is the area where the infection rates were higher and restriction measures were stricter. The survey assessed demographic characteristics and actual and potential behaviors of people regarding medical checkups, risk factors control, medication provision and response to onset of symptoms consistent with stroke or TIA.

Results: A total of 10,303 questionnaires were completed. Thirty-seven percent of the respondents were older than 60 years, 74% were women and 16% lived alone. One or more vascular risk factors were present in 39% of respondents. Seventy-six percent of participants did not continue to attend to their regular medical checkups during the mandatory social preventive isolation, 21% had difficulty obtaining medical prescriptions and only 38% considered hospitals were implementing appropriate measures to avoid Covid-19 infections. When asked about response in case of onset of stroke symptoms, 9% would not consult given the context of the pandemic. Six percent reported having had symptoms consistent with stroke or TIA and only 35% of those consulted in an Emergency Room. Most of the respondents (85%) reported they were waiting for the end of the quarantine to resume their usual medical care.

Conclusions: The implementation of a strict quarantine may have some serious adverse effects on the proper prevention and treatment of stroke. Careful communication and better education strategies are needed to keep the population safe during the pandemic while avoiding increases in the risk of occurrence of other devastating diseases as stroke.