Patient-Perceived Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Medication Adherence and Access to Care for Long-Term Diseases: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted care pathways, daily routines, and access to medications, raising concerns about self-management among people with long-term conditions. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey within the Specchio-COVID19 cohort in Geneva (n = 982) to quantify changes in medication use and identify associated sociodemographic and clinical factors. Among respondents, 827 reported taking long-term medications. One in three experienced changes in dosage, and nearly half of these modifications occurred without a physician’s recommendation. Participants also reported delays in obtaining medications and difficulties accessing care. Regular medication users showed a four-times higher likelihood of dose escalation, while increased income was protective against medication changes.
Despite these disruptions, most patients maintained stable medication habits. The findings highlight populations at greater risk of suboptimal adherence during crises and underscore the importance of supporting medication self-management and continuity of care during public health emergencies.