LAUSR

Background A challenge during the COVID19 pandemic has been widespread adherence to risk-reducing behaviors. Individuals with mitochondrial disease (MtD) are special population with an increased risk of morbidity associated with infection. Purpose To measure risk mitigation behaviors (RMBs) in families affected by MtD and identify factors that may influence these behaviors. Methods An online questionnaire was distributed in April and June 2020. Individuals with MtD or their caregivers completed the survey. Results We received 529 eligible responses with n = 312 completing all questions for our multivariate regression model. The most common RMBs were increased hand washing (96%), social distancing (94%), and avoiding public gatherings (93%). Higher numbers of recent healthcare visits (b = 0.62, p < 0.05) and expressed fear of the MtD patient contracting COVID19 (b = 0.92, p < 0.05) were associated with more RMBs. Living in a rural community (b = −0.99,p < 0.05) and a history of COVID19 testing (b = −2.14,p < 0.01) were associated with fewer RMBs. Conclusions Our results suggest that during the COVID19 pandemic, families affected by MtD have near universal adherence to basic RMBs. This may be motivated by fear of the severe morbidity associated with infection in MtD. Patients with frequent healthcare visits may be sicker and therefore take more precautions. Living in a rural community may also impact these behaviors. People who practice fewer RMBs may be more likely to seek testing. Our findings may generalize to other chronic diseases.