The Follow-Up and Well-Being of Geriatric Outpatients During COVID-19 Pandemic in Cameroon: Insights From the Yaounde Central Hospital

Abstract

Although total confinement has not been adopted by the government of Cameroon, the COVID-19 pandemic is keeping geriatric patients out of hospital, despite a decline in their health status. In addition, the pandemic might have a significant effect on their general well-being. This study aimed to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the follow-up and well-being of older outpatients seen at geriatric consultation in Cameroon. We carried out a telephone survey of patients who did not attend an appointment at our geriatrics outpatient clinic on April 2020. Overall, 30 participants were recruited of whom 70% were female (n = 21) with a median age of 74 years (IQR 68.8–85). Most patients (73%, n = 22) did not attend their appointment because of fear of being infected by SARS-CoV-2 at hospital. Approximately 23% (n = 7) of participants reported a decline of their functional status since the last geriatric visit. Loss of appetite and weight loss were both reported in 30% (n = 9) of patients. Half of participants (n = 15) self-rated their health status as bad and three of them died in private health facilities. Strategies to ensure a continuum of care for this vulnerable population during this pandemic are highly needed in our setting.