The COVID-19 Pandemic Influencing Prehospital Delay Among Older Adult
Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome Seeking Emergency Care
Abstract
Background: The prevalence of prehospital delay is high among older
adults with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), resulting in adverse health
outcomes. The current study aimed to examine the associated factors of
prehospital delay among patients with ACS during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience
sample of 300 older adults with ACS admitted to the emergency
department. Bivariate and multivariate analyses, including stepwise
linear regression, were used to explore the predictors of prehospital
delay and length of stay. Results: Being widowed, education, pain
intensity, the gradual onset of ACS symptoms, symptoms lasting for more
than 30 minutes, feeling anxious about their ACS symptoms due to the
COVID-19 pandemic, perceiving their symptoms as dangerous due to the
COVID-19 pandemic, history of myocardial infraction (MI), and mode of
transportation were associated with the time taken before seeking
emergency care among older adults with ACS during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusion: Length of prehospital delay among the participants varied
according to certain sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and
biomarkers. Improved understanding of the associations between
prehospital delay and these characteristics is crucial for achieving
optimal ACS patient outcomes under the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.