General stress among young adults with asthma during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected the lives of the global population. OBJECTIVE To explore anxiety and stress in relation to COVID-19 among young adults, and the potential influence of asthma and allergic rhinitis. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 1,644 participants from the population-based birth cohort BAMSE, participating in a follow-up at 24 years of age and a COVID-19 follow-up conducted in August-November 2020 (mean age 25.3 years). Anxiety and concern related to COVID-19 were analyzed as general anxiety, concern of own health and health of family members, and contact with online healthcare providers due to concern about COVID-19. Stress was measured with the perceived stress scale (PSS-10). RESULTS Around half of the participants reported increased anxiety due to COVID-19 and this was more common among females (57.0%, compared to 42.6% in males, p<0.001). Young adults with asthma reported more concern about their own health (adjusted odds ratio (adj OR): 1.50, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12-2.02) and perceived stress (adjusted regression coefficient (adj β): 1.49 CI: 0.52-2.45) compared to peers without asthma, and this was more pronounced among females and those with uncontrolled asthma. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis were not associated with increased concern or anxiety in relation to COVID-19. CONCLUSION Young adults with asthma experience more COVID-19 related health concerns, compared to those without asthma; especially females and participants with uncontrolled asthma This needs to be considered in the care of young people with asthma.