Health and lifestyle parameters in peripheral artery disease at two periods of the COVID-19 pandemic: comparison between men and women

Sitting time increased in 73.9% of women and 84.9% of men at the onset of the pandemic.
Physical activity was practiced by 23.9% of women and 39.6% of men at the onset of the pandemic.
The prevalence of both women and men reporting physical mobility difficulties increased at follow-up.
Hospitalization rates for reasons unrelated to COVID-19 have increased in both women and men.

ABSTRACT

Objective:

This study analyzed the impact of sex on self-reported health and lifestyle parameters in peripheral artery disease patients at two periods of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

In this longitudinal study, 99 patients with peripheral artery disease (53 men and 46 women) were evaluated during two periods of the COVID-19 pandemic (i.e., at onset: May to August 2020, and on follow-up: May to August 2021). Patients were interviewed via telephone, and information regarding lifestyle and health parameters was obtained.

Results:

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, health and habit parameters were similar between women and men, with 63.0% and 45.3% indicating frequent fatigue, 73.9% and 84.9% reporting increased sitting time, and 23.9% and 39.6% practicing physical activity, respectively. At follow-up, difficulties in physical mobility (women: from 26.1% to 73.9%, p<0.001; men: from 39.6% to 71.7%, p=0.001) and the frequency of hospitalization for reasons other than COVID-19 increased similarly in women and men (women: from 4.3% to 21.7%, p=0.013; men: from 9.4% to 24.5%, p=0.038). The other parameters were similar between the periods.