Psychological Interventions during COVID Pandemic: Telehealth for Individuals with CF and Caregivers

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 emerged in China leading to worldwide morbidity and mortality, including depression and anxiety. As the pandemic spread throughout Italy and Europe, mental health concerns emerged for people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF), who are at increased risk. This led to development of a Telehealth Psychological Support Intervention to help adolescents/young adults with CF and caregivers cope with the stress and emotional challenges of the lockdown which began in Italy in March 2020. Methods: This intervention utilized cognitive behavioral skills (e.g., relaxation training, cognitive reframing). Participants included 16 adolescents/adults and 14 parents, who completed 4 individual video sessions with a psychologist. Stress ratings, PHQ-8 and GAD-7 were completed electronically. Feasibility and Satisfaction were rated. Results: Ratings of stress significantly decreased from pre to post-testing for both pwCF (paired t=-4.06 (14), p<.01) and parents (paired t=-5.2, p< 001). Most participants reported clinically elevated depression and anxiety at the pre-test, with statistically significant reductions in depression for pwCF (pre: M=8.0 to post M=4.7; paired t (14)=2.8, p <.05) but not anxiety (pre: M=6.9 to post: M=5.6, t (14)=1.2, p=NS). Reductions in depression were found for parents (pre: M=6.4 to post: M 5.1, (14) t=-2.5, p<.05) but not anxiety (pre: M=8.1 to post: M=7.9, t (14)=-0.2, p=ns). Positive ratings of Feasibility and Satisfaction were documented. Conclusion: This brief telehealth intervention yielded significant reductions in stress and depression for participants. Anxiety was not reduced, possibly because COVID was ongoing. This intervention was effective for improving mental health and was highly feasible and satisfactory.