ABSTRACT
Aim and Objectives: To characterize the functional recovery of hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19 at 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-months post-discharge. Method(s): We are conducting a multi-regional prospective cohort study in hospitalized COVID-19 patients 18 years and older in Canada. Patients are assessed upon admission and at 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-months follow-up. Data collection is completed via telephone interviews in addition to home visits. Outcomes include the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care Mobility and Cognition scales and lung function. Result(s): Preliminary data from 242 hospitalized COVID-19 patients (60.1 +/- 13.0 yrs) indicate that the most common self-reported symptoms are fatigue (47%) and shortness of breath (35%) at 12-months follow-up. Our lung function data suggests that 39-46% of post-acute patients with COVID-19 have impaired FEV1 (<80% predicted), and 38- 49% have impaired FVC (<80% predicted) at 3-,6-, 9- and 12-month follow-up. At 12-months, 38-45% of patients continue to have clinically important deficits in cognition and mobility below premorbid levels, respectively, and 55.4% of patients report that COVID-19 continues to impact their daily life activities (Figure 1). Conclusion(s): There is a high prevalence of functional limitations in COVID-19 survivors over 12 months of followup. Our data support the need for multi-disciplinary rehabilitation for patients post-hospitalisation for COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
Understanding the negative impact of the pandemic on children and adolescents is essential in order to provide proper support and intervention. Nonetheless, surmounting adversity, such as COVID-19, may also provide positive lessons for youth to overcome the negative consequences of the pandemic and prepare society for future crises. The objective of the current qualitative study was to document the perceived positive aspects identified by children and adolescents during COVID-19 and how they made sense of their experience. Participants (N = 67, 5–14 years old) were recruited in May and June 2020. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via a videoconferencing platform. Based on the transcribed and coded interviews, a thematic qualitative analysis was derived utilizing NVivo. Participants' answers were grouped into four main themes and sub-themes: (1) school changes, (2) bonding time, (3) free time, and (4) technology usage. Analysing youth perspectives on their experience of the COVID-19 pandemic provides insight into some of the positive changes and lessons that can be gained amidst the overwhelming negative consequences of the pandemic. © 2023 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
ABSTRACT
Understanding the negative impact of the pandemic on children and adolescents is essential in order to provide proper support and intervention. Nonetheless, surmounting adversity, such as COVID-19, may also provide positive lessons for youth to overcome the negative consequences of the pandemic and prepare society for future crises. The objective of the current qualitative study was to document the perceived positive aspects identified by children and adolescents during COVID-19 and how they made sense of their experience. Participants (N = 67, 5–14 years old) were recruited in May and June 2020. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via a videoconferencing platform. Based on the transcribed and coded interviews, a thematic qualitative analysis was derived utilizing NVivo. Participants' answers were grouped into four main themes and sub-themes: (1) school changes, (2) bonding time, (3) free time, and (4) technology usage. Analysing youth perspectives on their experience of the COVID-19 pandemic provides insight into some of the positive changes and lessons that can be gained amidst the overwhelming negative consequences of the pandemic. © 2023 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
ABSTRACT
Many children and youth in Canada are identified as vulnerable due to educational, environmental, and social factors. They are more likely to be negatively affected by events that cause significant upheaval in daily life. The changes imposed by COVID-19, such as physical distancing, school closures, and reductions in community-based services all have the potential to weaken the systems of support necessary for these children to learn and develop. Existing inequities in educational outcomes experienced by vulnerable children prior to the pandemic have been greatly exacerbated as cracks in our support structures are revealed. Many children and youth have experienced disengagement, chronic attendance problems, declines in academic achievement, and decreased credit attainment during the pandemic, with the impact far deeper for those already at-risk. This chapter examines what is known to date regarding the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable children and youth and provides recommendations to guide postpandemic planning. Vulnerable children, youth, and their families require access to reliable high-speed internet, effective and inclusive learning spaces, and a range of coordinated social services. All stakeholders need to develop and fund initiatives that address these critical areas to ensure that educational opportunities for all children and youth can be realized.
ABSTRACT
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, those planning and conducting research involving older adults have faced many challenges, in part because of the public health measures in place. This article details the early steps and corresponding strategies implemented by our multidisciplinary team to pivot our large-scale aging and mobility study. Based on the premise that all current and emerging research in aging has been impacted by the pandemic, we propose a continuum approach whereby the research question, analysis, and interpretation are situated in accordance with the stage of the pandemic. Using examples from our own study, we outline potential ways to partner with older adults and other stakeholders as well as to encourage collaboration beyond disciplinary silos even under the current circumstances. Finally, we suggest the formation of a Canadian-led consortium that leverages cross-disciplinary expertise to address the complexities of our aging population in the COVID-19 era and beyond. © Canadian Association on Gerontology 2021.