PR89037

World Lupus Federation Global Survey of People with Lupus Finds Half of Respondents Experienced a Decrease in Access to Healthcare During COVID-19 Pandemic

WASHINGTON, April 22, 2021 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

  -- Over one third of survey respondents living with lupus were unable

     to access the COVID-19 vaccine earlier than the general population

In a new global survey, more than 6,100 people with lupus from over 85

countries shared their recent experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic and their

views of the COVID-19 vaccines. Half (50%) of the survey participants reported

decreased access to at least one aspect of lupus healthcare during the last

three months, including decreased access to their lupus doctor/rheumatologist

(36%), medical tests (29%), infusions for lupus treatment (24%) and lupus

medications (17%).

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The international survey conducted by the World Lupus Federation further

outlines how those living with lupus have been uniquely impacted during the

COVID-19 pandemic. The survey also found that 10% of those surveyed have been

infected with COVID-19, well above the global average of confirmed cases.

Further, the respondents who reported reduced access to lupus healthcare were

also more likely to have reported a lupus-related health complication,

including lupus flares and lupus-related hospitalizations.

"People with lupus around the world continue to experience significant

obstacles and as a result, serious negative health outcomes due to the COVID-19

pandemic. There are many causes for the challenges with access to care and

treatments, including apprehension of going to doctor's appointments due to

fear of risk of COVID-19 infection," shared Paul Howard, CEO of LUPUS UK.

"Access to specialised care and the medications they depend on is incredibly

important for those living with lupus. Without it, people with lupus can face

adverse health outcomes and even require hospitalisation."

In addition to significant issues with access to care, the survey found unique

challenges for people with lupus regarding COVID-19 vaccinations. Over one

third of respondents (35%) were unable to access the vaccine earlier than the

general population in their local area, even though lupus can put people at

higher risk of infections or a weakened immune system due to the effects of

immune-suppressing lupus treatments.

Three quarters of respondents (75%) reported concerns about the COVID-19

vaccine, including the possible side effects of the vaccine (68%) and the

interaction of the vaccine with lupus and/or lupus medications (61%).

"It is highly recommended that people with lupus receive the COVID-19 vaccine,

but there are considerations to take into account," shared Karen H.

Costenbader, MD, MPH, Director of the Lupus Program at Brigham and Women's

Hospital in Massachusetts, United States. "People living with lupus should

discuss their vaccination plan with their doctor to find out how their current

treatment regimen may affect vaccine responses and to decide on the best

timing. It's another extra step that people with lupus must take during this

difficult time as we all strive to 'get back to normal' as much as possible."

Click here (

https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3130933-1&h=785019331&u=https%3A%2F%2Fworldlupusday.files.wordpress.com%2F2021%2F04%2Fwlf-covid-survey-topline-summary_final.pdf&a=here

) to view a topline summary and detailed survey results (

https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3130933-1&h=2233202815&u=https%3A%2F%2Fql.tc%2FzSihS8&a=detailed+survey+results

), and join us on May 10 as we take steps to make lupus visible across the

globe for World Lupus Day (

https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3130933-1&h=1313572445&u=https%3A%2F%2Fworldlupusday.org%2F&a=World+Lupus+Day

).

About the World Lupus Federation

The World Lupus Federation (

https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3130933-1&h=512299599&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.worldlupusfederation.org%2F&a=World+Lupus+Federation

) (WLF) is a coalition of lupus (

https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3130933-1&h=1253715843&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lupus.org%2Fresources%2Fwhat-is-lupus&a=lupus

) patient organizations, united to improve the quality of life for all people

affected by lupus. Through coordinated efforts among its affiliates, the

Federation works to expand global initiatives that create greater awareness and

understanding of lupus, provide education and services to people living with

the disease and advocate on their behalf.

MEDIA CONTACT

Mike Donnelly

Lupus Foundation of America

donnelly@lupus.org

(202) 349-1162

Source - World Lupus Federation