PERCEIVED APATHY FROM PHYSICIANS ASSOCIATED WITH EMOTIONAL DISTRESS AMID COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN ADULTS WITH ASTHMA

Introduction: Individuals with asthma may be at higher risk for severe illness due to COVID-19, which could cause emotional distress due to fear of serious illness, hospitalization, and mortality However, it is possible that the patient’s perception of genuine interest in their health outcome from their physician can decrease the severity of emotional distress Methods: Adults with a self-reported history of asthma (N = 150) were recruited via social media Participants completed the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System measures of anxiety, depression, and anger and a question about how much they believe their physician cares about their health We used linear regression to determine whether belief about physicians was predictive of anxiety, depression, or anger Results: Participants’ beliefs about physicians significantly predicted anxiety (β = - 18, p = 03), depression (β = - 28, p < 001), and anger (β = - 21, p = 01), such that those who believed their physicians genuinely cared about their health were less emotionally distressed than those who did not Conclusion: Findings emphasize the need for patient-centered care, especially during the pandemic, to mitigate heightened emotional distress and improve the quality of life among individuals with asthma As such, physicians should be cognizant of how their communication with patients conveys empathy and a genuine interest in the health of patients Additionally, physicians should query patients about emotional distress and refer those who are having difficulty coping with the heightened threat of health risks to behavioral health professionals