Insight into the Attitudes and Experiences of Adults with Non-Communicable Diseases a Year into the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Malta Experience

INTRODUCTION: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have been a global epidemic long before the advent of COVID-19. Understandably, with the onset of COVID-19, health priorities shifted. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of COVID-19 through attitudes and experiences on the health and well-being of the Malta adult population suffering from NCDs, a year into COVID-19. METHODS: An anonymous survey was distributed online between February 1 and 26, 2021 using Google Forms(®). This assessed the impact of COVID-19 on medical care, intention to take a COVID-19 vaccine, and whether COVID-19 was acquired. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed. RESULTS: Out of the 1,034 participants, 34.82% (95% CI, 31.97–37.77; n = 360) reported to suffer from NCDs (single NCD, n = 276; 2 NCDs, n = 56; 3 NCDs, n = 28) with 6.94% (95% CI, 4.71–10.09) of these reported acquiring COVID-19. Since COVID-19, the NCD population visited the general practitioners less (47%) than those without NCDs (32%) (p ≤ 0.001). With a consensus of concern and fear, “I rather skip check-ups than risk getting COVID-19 in waiting room or clinic.” Postponement and cancellations of medical appointments were reported: “had to do blood tests privately as health centre was not doing them” and “delayed treatment and still awaiting further appointments that were postponed more than once.” The majority intended to take COVID-19 vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: It is clear that individuals with NCDs have experienced a general negative effect on their medical care. It's recommended that a dual action strategy is embraced to ensure that both NCDs and COVID-19 are treated simultaneously, leaving no one behind.