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 questionnaires 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.