Self-scored impairments in functioning and disability in post-COVID syndrome following mild COVID-19 infection.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To investigate functioning, activity and disability in people with post-COVID syndrome. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SUBJECTS/PATIENTS Participants were recruited online via Facebook and a stakeholders' organization for post-COVID syndrome in Sweden. METHODS: Sociodemographic data and International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)-based questionnaire were collected via an online platform and analysed. RESULTS: A total of 100 participants were included (mean age 44.5 years, 82% women, 61% with higher education, and 56% working full- or part-time). For the ICF component Body Functions, the most impaired functions were fatigability and energy drive (98-99%); higher cognitive functions (74-94%); sleep functions (98%); muscle functions (93%); respiratory functions (92%); heart functions (82%); emotional functions (80%); sexual functions (77%); pain problems (56-90%); and thermoregulatory functions (68%). For the component Activity, the most frequent limitations were handling stressful situations (98%); remunerative employment (95%); recreation and leisure (94%); climbing the stairs (94%); doing housework (84%); and informal socializing (64%). The most frequent degrees of impairment/limitations were light and moderate, except for severe-complete for fatigue, higher cognitive functions, multitasking, handling stressful situations; and recreation and leisure activities. CONCLUSION: Post-COVID syndrome following a mild COVID-19 infection can result in impaired body functions and activities. These results support the importance of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach for these patients.