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Psychological Interventions during COVID Pandemic: Telehealth for Individuals with CF and Caregivers
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  • Sonia Graziano,
  • Francesca Boldrini,
  • Dario Righelli,
  • Francesco Milo,
  • Vincenzina Lucidi,
  • Alexandra Quittner,
  • Paola Tabarini
Sonia Graziano
Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Francesca Boldrini
Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital
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Dario Righelli
University of Padua
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Francesco Milo
Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital
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Vincenzina Lucidi
Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital
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Alexandra Quittner
Behavioral Health Systems Research
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Paola Tabarini
Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital
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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.
17 Jan 2021Submitted to Pediatric Pulmonology
18 Jan 2021Submission Checks Completed
18 Jan 2021Assigned to Editor
20 Jan 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
01 Feb 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
02 Feb 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Major
22 Feb 20211st Revision Received
26 Feb 2021Submission Checks Completed
26 Feb 2021Assigned to Editor
26 Feb 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
10 Mar 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
12 Mar 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
16 Mar 20212nd Revision Received
16 Mar 2021Submission Checks Completed
16 Mar 2021Assigned to Editor
16 Mar 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
24 Mar 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
27 Mar 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
29 Mar 20213rd Revision Received
30 Mar 2021Submission Checks Completed
30 Mar 2021Assigned to Editor
30 Mar 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
01 Apr 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
04 Apr 2021Editorial Decision: Accept