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Mental Fatigue, Activities of Daily Living, Sick Leave and Functional Status among Patients with Long COVID: A Cross-Sectional Study

Author

Listed:
  • Trine Brøns Nielsen

    (DEFACTUM, Central Denmark Region, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
    Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark)

  • Steffen Leth

    (Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
    Department of Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine, Gødstrup Regional Hospital, 7400 Herning, Denmark
    Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark)

  • Mathilde Pedersen

    (Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark)

  • Helle Dahl Harbo

    (Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
    AmbuFlex—Center for Patient-Reported Outcomes, Gødstrup Regional Hospital, 7400 Herning, Denmark)

  • Claus Vinther Nielsen

    (DEFACTUM, Central Denmark Region, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
    Department of Clinical Social Medicine and Rehabilitation, Gødstrup Regional Hospital, 7400 Herning, Denmark
    Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark)

  • Cecilia Hee Laursen

    (DEFACTUM, Central Denmark Region, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
    Department of Clinical Social Medicine and Rehabilitation, Gødstrup Regional Hospital, 7400 Herning, Denmark)

  • Berit Schiøttz-Christensen

    (Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
    Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark)

  • Lisa Gregersen Oestergaard

    (DEFACTUM, Central Denmark Region, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
    Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
    Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark)

Abstract

Studies suggest that persistent symptoms after COVID-19 (long COVID) influence functioning and activities of daily living (ADL). However, it is still uncertain how and to what extent. This study aimed to describe patient-reported mental fatigue, ADL problems, ADL ability, sick leave and functional status among patients with long COVID. In this cross-sectional study, 448 patients, ≥18 years old and referred to occupational therapy at a Danish Post-COVID-19 Clinic, were included. Mental fatigue was measured by the Mental Fatigue Scale, ADL problems and ability were measured by the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, sick leave was self-reported and functional status was evaluated by the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale. Mean age was 46.8 years, 73% of the patients were female, and 75% suffered from moderate to severe mental fatigue. The majority reported difficulties performing productive and leisure activities. The median performance and satisfaction scores were 4.8 and 3, respectively. In total, 56% of the patients were on sick leave, and 94% were referred to rehabilitation. A decrease in functional status was found between pre-COVID-19 and assessment. Conclusively, the patients were highly affected in their everyday life and had distinct rehabilitation needs. Future research is needed to address causalities and rehabilitation for this patient group.

Suggested Citation

  • Trine Brøns Nielsen & Steffen Leth & Mathilde Pedersen & Helle Dahl Harbo & Claus Vinther Nielsen & Cecilia Hee Laursen & Berit Schiøttz-Christensen & Lisa Gregersen Oestergaard, 2022. "Mental Fatigue, Activities of Daily Living, Sick Leave and Functional Status among Patients with Long COVID: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-15, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:22:p:14739-:d:968023
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Durita Viderø Gunnarsson & Kamilla Woznica Miskowiak & Johanna Kølle Pedersen & Henrik Hansen & Daria Podlekareva & Stine Johnsen & Christian Have Dall, 2023. "Physical Function and Association with Cognitive Function in Patients in a Post-COVID-19 Clinic—A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(10), pages 1-16, May.
    2. Elisabeth O’Regan & Ingrid Bech Svalgaard & Anna Irene Vedel Sørensen & Lampros Spiliopoulos & Peter Bager & Nete Munk Nielsen & Jørgen Vinsløv Hansen & Anders Koch & Steen Ethelberg & Anders Hviid, 2023. "A hybrid register and questionnaire study of Covid-19 and post-acute sick leave in Denmark," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-8, December.

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