Table 3

Usage of digital health applications before and after COVID-19 pandemic, n (%)

CharacteristicsPatients
n=299 (100%)
Rheumatologists
n=129 (100%)
I believe using digital health applications (eg, medical apps, video consultation and online pharmacies) is useful for managing my disease, n (%)
 Strongly disagree8 (2.7)0 (0.0)
 Disagree11 (3.7)2 (1.6)
 Neutral58 (19.4)29 (22.5)
 Agree138 (46.2)62 (48.1)
 Strongly agree84 (28.1)36 (27.9)
Has your attitude towards digital health Apps changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic?, n (%)
 It changed positively112 (37.5)92 (71.3)
 It changed negatively2 (0.7)3 (2.3)
 It has been unaffected185 (61.9)34 (26.4)
Do you use digital health apps more regularly since the COVID-19 pandemic?, n (%)
 Yes88 (29.4)62 (48.1)
 No211 (70.6)67 (51.9)
I feel able to use digital health apps, n (%)
 Strongly disagree6 (2.0)1 (0.8)
 Disagree3 (1.0)3 (2.3)
 Neutral21 (7.0)15 (11.6)
 Agree127 (42.5)61 (47.3)
 Strongly agree142 (47.5)49 (38.0)
  • Patients and rheumatologists were asked to indicate if they believe in the usage of DHA for managing the disease and if their attitude has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • DHA, digital health application.