Effect of COVID-19 lockdown on patients with chronic diseases

We sought to measure the effect of lockdown, implemented to contain COVID-19 infection, on routine living and health of patients with chronic diseases and challenges faced by them. A semi-structured online questionnaire was generated using “Google forms” and sent to the patients with chronic diseases using WhatsApp. Data were retrieved and analyzed using SPSS. Out of 181 participants, 98% reported effect of lockdown on their routine living while 45% reported an effect on their health. The key challenges due to lockdown were to do daily exercise, missed routine checkup/lab testing and daily health care. It is important to strategize the plan for patients with chronic diseases during pandemic or lockdown. •The patients living with chronic diseases are more vulnerable to the lockdown.•Lockdown has effected the routine living and health of the patients with chronic diseases.•People with mental health issues might have more effect of the lockdown.