Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with chronic conditions in Vietnam: A cross-sectional study

Objectives We assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health, treatment adherence and expectations of patients with chronic diseases in Vietnam. Methods We conducted a national cross-sectional study using a questionnaire survey, distributed through social networks and presented on Google Forms. The survey was performed during two months of the most stringent social distancing in Vietnam (between 21 July and 21 September 2021). Results Most of the participants said that the COVID-19 epidemic had affected their daily activities (91.9%), health (53.6%), sleep behavior (52.3%), and mental health (79.8%). During social distancing in Vietnam, three-quarter could not go to hospitals for periodic health examination; nearly half of respondents did not do daily physical activity; a quarter of respondents did not adhere to recommended diet plan. Factors associated with the effect of the COVID-19 epidemic on patient's health included those living in Ho Chi Minh City (p = 0.015), lived alone (p = 0.027), uncontrolled chronic conditions (p < 0.001), treatment dissatisfaction or experienced anxiety/stress (p < 0.001). Factors associated with medication adherence included the elderly (p = 0.015), having periodic health examination (p = 0.012), direct consultation (p = 0.003), and telemedicine (p = 0.007). Conclusion This study highlights the urgent need for better chronic management strategies for the new post-COVID era in the future.