Living with “long COVID”: A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative evidence

PLoS ONE, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 18(2), С. e0281884 - e0281884

Опубликована: Фев. 16, 2023

Objectives Long-term health consequences of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), also known as “long COVID,” has become a global concern. In this systematic review, we aimed to synthesize the qualitative evidence on lived experiences people living with long COVID that may inform policymaking and practice. Methods We searched six major databases additional sources systematically retrieved relevant studies conducted meta-synthesis key findings using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines reporting standards Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist. Results found 15 articles representing 12 out 619 citations from different sources. These provided 133 were categorized into 55 categories. All categories aggregated following synthesized findings: complex physical problems, psychosocial crises COVID, slow recovery rehabilitation, digital resources information management, changes in social support, healthcare providers, services, systems. Ten UK, others Denmark Italy, which highlights critical lack other countries. Conclusions More representative research is needed understand COVID-related diverse communities populations. The available informs high burden biopsychosocial challenges among would require multilevel interventions such strengthening policies engaging patients caregivers making decisions developing resources, addressing socioeconomic disparities associated through evidence-based

Язык: Английский

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Impact of Rehabilitation on Fatigue in Post-COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Applied Sciences, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 12(17), С. 8593 - 8593

Опубликована: Авг. 27, 2022

The post-COVID-19 syndrome may affect patients after the COVID-19 post-acute phase. In particular, 69% of reported persistent fatigue at discharge. To date, no clear data are available regarding most effective rehabilitative approaches for treatment this condition. Thus, systematic review aimed to evaluate rehabilitation treatment’s efficacy on in patients. We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web Science databases find longitudinal study designs presenting: as participants; a approach reduce intervention; intensity assessed through an evaluation tool that quantified perceived exertion (i.e., severity scale, FSS; Borg Scale (BS); Category Ratio 10, CR10; Checklist Individual Strength (CIS) scale; FACIT (Functional Assessment Chronic Illness Therapy) scale). present protocol was registered PROSPERO (registration number CRD42021284058). Out 704 articles, 6 studies were included. Nearly all showed COVID-19-related fatigue, treatment, only 17% subjects persistency symptoms. overall effect size −1.40 decrease 10 with SE 0.05 95% CI between −1.50 −1.30 (p < 0.001). meta-analysis underlines role reduction affected by syndrome.

Язык: Английский

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The lived experience of long COVID: A qualitative study of mental health, quality of life, and coping

PLoS ONE, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 18(10), С. e0292630 - e0292630

Опубликована: Окт. 13, 2023

The majority of people who contract COVID-19 experience a short period symptomatic infection. However, symptoms persist for months or years following initial exposure to the virus in some cases. This has been described as long COVID. Little is known about lived this condition, it only recently emerged. study aimed explore experiences mental health, quality life, and coping among living with A sample 47 adults participated web-based focus groups. Separate groups were held 24 individuals pre-existing health conditions 23 without conditions. Data analyzed using codebook thematic analysis approach. Five themes identified integral COVID experience: Emotional Landscape Long COVID, New Limits Daily Functioning, Grief Loss Former Identity, COVID-related Stigmatization, Learning Cope Persisting Symptoms. These findings illustrate immense impact on life. Minimal differences found between those conditions, both substantially impacted by condition. Attention perspectives necessary inform future directions research clinical practice.

Язык: Английский

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Long COVID in the context of social determinants of health

Frontiers in Public Health, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 11

Опубликована: Март 28, 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenge for the public health system and highlighted disparities. vaccines have effectively protected against infection severe disease, but some patients continue to suffer from symptoms after their condition is resolved. These post-acute sequelae, or long COVID, continues disproportionately affect based on social determinants of (SDOH). This paper uses World Health Organization's (WHO) SDOH conceptual framework explore how influences COVID outcomes.

Язык: Английский

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Disparities by Social Determinants of Health: Links Between Long COVID and Cardiovascular Disease

Canadian Journal of Cardiology, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 40(6), С. 1123 - 1134

Опубликована: Фев. 28, 2024

Long COVID has been defined by World Health Organization as "continuation or development of new symptoms 3 months after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, with these lasting for at least 2 no other explanation". Cardiovascular disease is implicated a risk factor, concomitant condition and consequence COVID. As well heterogeneity in definition, presentation likely underlying pathophysiology COVID, disparities social determinants health, extensively studied described cardiovascular disease, have observed three ways. First, long-term conditions, such its factors, are associated incidence severity previously socioeconomic factors important exacerbating Second, management COVID-19 may themselves lead to distal Third, there way that diagnosed, managed prevented. Together, age, sex, deprivation ethnicity far-reaching implications this post-viral syndrome across spectrum. There similarities differences compared disease. Some fact, inequalities, i.e. rather than simply variations, they represent injustices costs individuals, communities economies. In review current literature, I consider opportunities prevent, least, attenuate special challenges research, clinical practice, public health policy which evolving.

Язык: Английский

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How do long COVID patients perceive their current life situation and occupational perspective? Results of a qualitative interview study in Germany

Frontiers in Public Health, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 11

Опубликована: Март 9, 2023

Introduction Many people experience persistent or new-onset symptoms such as fatigue cognitive problems after an acute infection with COVID-19. This phenomenon, known long COVID, impacts physical and mental wellbeing, may affect perceived quality of life occupational perspectives likewise. The aim this study is to gain a deeper understanding how COVID health-related restrictions in their daily situation, identify key challenges they face. Methods Guided qualitative interviews were conducted 25 COVID. transcribed according Dresing/Pehl Kuckartz analyzed using content analysis. Afterward, systematic comparison the data reflection under consideration lifeworld-theoretical approaches (Berger Luckmann) carried out. Results revealed that many participants have severe which strongly impair them perform work-related activities, personal interests. interviewees already reach stress limit during routine household activities childcare. Of participants, 19 experienced limitations pursuing leisure 10 23 jobs reported being on sick leave for several months. Several respondents who had vocational reintegration are still affected by ongoing work performance considerably. leads uncertainty, role conflicts, decline social contacts, decreased incomes, contribute impairment life. Conclusions shows huge need specific support different areas To prevent from finding themselves economic precarity, decision-makers should develop strategies systematically sustainable into workforce. focus be creating COVID-sensitive workplaces, compensating improving access relief services reintegration. We argue, shift necessary considered rather “social disease” considerably impairments those affected. Trial registration registered German register clinical trials (DRKS00026007).

Язык: Английский

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“There is no one who helps you with it”: experiences of people with long COVID regarding medical care, therapeutic measures, and barriers in the German healthcare system: results of a qualitative study with four focus groups

BMC Health Services Research, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 23(1)

Опубликована: Окт. 26, 2023

Many people experience long-term symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive problems, or shortness of breath after an acute infection with COVID-19. This emerging syndrome, known long COVID, is new and complex in many aspects. study aims to collect the experiences COVID ambulatory healthcare structures.Four focus groups were conducted a total 23 adults June July 2022. These discussions audio-recorded, subsequently transcribed, analyzed using qualitative content analysis Mayring Kuckartz.Fourteen out 19 participants who had primary care encounter regarding their did not perceive it helpful. respondents reported that general practitioners take seriously refer them specialists made therapeutic recommendations. However, some they prescribed non-pharmaceutical therapies (e.g., group meetings supported by psychotherapists, occupational therapy, etc.) improved condition. 14 perceived barriers providers' lack awareness poor access specialists, specialized clinics), high bureaucratic hurdles for specific services. To improve medical care, suggested campaigns raise among providers population, increase research government investments development treatment structures expanding existing services, establishing one-stop shops integrated specialist COVID.Several implications professionals policymakers can be derived from this study: (1) should seriously, assume coordinating role, make referrals, establish contact clinics; (2) planners on developing interprofessional evidence-based approaches COVID; (3) outpatient clinics expanded. The overarching goal must develop consistent guidelines diagnosis, treatment.The registered German register clinical trials (DRKS00026007, first registration 09/09/2021).

Язык: Английский

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Exploring the experiences of cognitive symptoms in Long COVID: a mixed-methods study in the UK

BMJ Open, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 15(1), С. e084999 - e084999

Опубликована: Янв. 1, 2025

Objective To explore the lived experiences and extent of cognitive symptoms in Long COVID (LC) a UK-based sample. Design This study implemented mixed-methods design. Eight focus groups were conducted to collect qualitative data, Framework Analysis was used reveal impact symptoms. A self-report questionnaire quantitative data assess perceived change symptomology post COVID-19. Setting Focus April 2023 online via Zoom in-person at University Leeds, UK. Participants 25 people with LC living UK participated study. aged 19–76 years (M=43.6 years, SD=14.7) included 17 women 8 men. Results Reduced ability among most prevalent reported by participants. Three key themes identified from data: (1) rich accounts symptoms; (2) on physical function psychological well-being (3) symptom management. Descriptions impairments memory, attention, language, executive processing speed. Cognitive had profound functioning well-being, including reduced work complete activities daily living. Strategies for management varied effectiveness. Conclusion dysfunction appears be exacerbated vicious cycle withdrawal life loss employment, inactivity social isolation driving low mood, anxiety poor functioning. Previous evidence has revealed anatomical physiological biomarkers brain affecting cognition LC. synthesise these contributing factors, we propose Long-COVID Interacting Network factors Symptoms. framework is designed inform clinicians researchers take comprehensive approach towards rehabilitation, targeting neural, individual lifestyle factors.

Язык: Английский

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Health and social service provider perspectives on challenges, approaches, and recommendations for treating long COVID: a qualitative study of Canadian provider experiences

BMC Health Services Research, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 25(1)

Опубликована: Апрель 8, 2025

Many people who contract the SAR-CoV-2 virus present with multiple persistent and debilitating physical, cognitive mental health symptoms that endure beyond acute infection period. This new syndrome - generally referred to as long COVID negatively affects patients' emotional wellbeing quality of life, presents a major challenge for treatment providers. Considering lack evidence-based supports, this qualitative descriptive study explores experiences Canadian social service providers working individuals COVID, well their suggestions intervention development. Twenty between ages 29 57 across Canada completed virtual individual interviews discuss care recommendations COVID. Participants were from range sectors, including primary care, rehabilitation, health, community support. Interviews recorded, transcribed, analyzed using codebook thematic analysis. Four themes illustrated providers' (1) selecting personalized treatments based on patient presentation similar conditions amidst uncertainty; services, (2) building an integrated model care; (3) providing holistic support patients families through psychoeducation daily living resources; (4) caring in are adopting approaches address symptom persistence face considerable knowledge gap. A comprehensive, pathway is needed physical psychosocial while increasing provider preparedness treat complex condition.

Язык: Английский

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“It Really Is an Elusive Illness”—Post-COVID-19 Illness Perceptions and Recovery Strategies: A Thematic Analysis

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 19(20), С. 13003 - 13003

Опубликована: Окт. 11, 2022

A substantial number of patients report persisting symptoms after a COVID-19 infection: so-called post-COVID-19 syndrome. There is limited research on patients’ perspectives and ways to recover. This qualitative study explored the illness perceptions recovery strategies who had been hospitalised for COVID-19. Differences between recovered non-recovered were investigated. Semi-structured in-depth interviews held with 24 participating (8 16 non-recovered) 7 12 months hospital discharge. Data interpreted using reflexive thematic analysis. Four overarching themes identified: (I) discharge; (II) impact daily life self-identity; (III) uncertainty about COVID-19; (IV) dealing Formerly seem have difficulties making sense their gaining control over recovery. The majority participants continue suffer mostly from weakness or fatigue, dyspnoea cognitive dysfunction. No notable differences in beliefs observed

Язык: Английский

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