Evaluation of the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Delivery of Paediatric Cardiac Services in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a highly contagious infection first diagnosed in China has rapidly spread worldwide. The resultant pandemic has witnessed over one million deaths with unprecedented and severe disruption of socioeconomic activities and healthcare services globally. Hitherto, paediatric cardiac services in Nigeria were underdeveloped and the impact of this disease remains unexamined. Objectives: To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the paediatric cardiac services in Nigeria. Methods: Self-administered digital questionnaires were sent directly into the private accounts of Paediatric Cardiologists and Paediatric Cardiac Surgeons in Nigeria using the Nigerian Cardiac Society and the Association of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons of Nigeria Register. Thereafter, each person was contacted personally and requested to fill the questionnaires. Results: There were 31 (51.7%) respondents; 23 Paediatric Cardiologist and 8 Cardiac Surgeons, 28 (90.3%) practice in the public sector and the remaining practice privately. About a third reported temporary outpatient clinic closures. Others’ weekly clinic attendance dropped from an average of 17.55 ± 12.6 patients before to 3.90 ± 4.37 during the pandemic. Over 90% of respondents had instituted use of personal protective equipment in their centres. Over 70% of respondents reported suspension of procedures including echocardiography, pericardiocentesis, and partial exchange transfusion. Only one centre performed open-heart surgery during this period. Conclusions: Paediatric cardiac services in Nigeria are grossly inadequate and the COVID-19 pandemic has further worsened the plight of Nigerian children with heart disease.