"It Really Is an Elusive Illness"-Post-COVID-19 Illness Perceptions and Recovery Strategies: A Thematic Analysis.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
; 19(20)2022 Oct 11.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2071408
ABSTRACT
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 on post-COVID-19 symptoms and ways to recover. This qualitative study explored the illness perceptions and recovery strategies of patients who had been hospitalised for COVID-19. Differences between recovered and non-recovered patients were investigated. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were held with 24 participating patients (8 recovered and 16 non-recovered) 7 to 12 months after hospital discharge. Data were interpreted using reflexive thematic analysis. Four overarching themes were identified (I) symptoms after hospital discharge; (II) impact of COVID-19 on daily life and self-identity; (III) uncertainty about COVID-19; and (IV) dealing with COVID-19. Formerly hospitalised post-COVID-19 patients seem to have difficulties with making sense of their illness and gaining control over their recovery. The majority of non-recovered participants continue to suffer mostly from weakness or fatigue, dyspnoea and cognitive dysfunction. No notable differences in illness beliefs were observed between recovered and non-recovered participants.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
COVID-19
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Qualitative research
Topics:
Long Covid
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Ijerph192013003
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