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Brain Fog and Fatigue following COVID-19 Infection: An Exploratory Study of Patient Experiences of Long COVID

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  • Emily E. Chasco

    (Institute for Clinical & Translational Science, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
    Center for Access & Delivery Research and Evaluation (CADRE), Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System (ICVAHCS), Iowa City, IA 52246, USA)

  • Kimberly Dukes

    (Center for Access & Delivery Research and Evaluation (CADRE), Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System (ICVAHCS), Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
    Department of Internal Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
    Department of Community and Behavioral Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA)

  • DeShauna Jones

    (Institute for Clinical & Translational Science, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
    Center for Access & Delivery Research and Evaluation (CADRE), Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System (ICVAHCS), Iowa City, IA 52246, USA)

  • Alejandro P. Comellas

    (Institute for Clinical & Translational Science, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
    Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Occupational Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA)

  • Richard M. Hoffman

    (Department of Internal Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
    Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA)

  • Alpana Garg

    (Department of Internal Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA)

Abstract

Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) is a poorly understood condition with significant impact on quality of life. We aimed to better understand the lived experiences of patients with PASC, focusing on the impact of cognitive complaints (“brain fog”) and fatigue on (1) daily activities, (2) work/employment, and (3) interpersonal relationships. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 15 patients of a Midwestern academic hospital’s post-COVID-19 clinic. We audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed interviews thematically using a combined deductive-inductive approach and collected participants’ characteristics from chart review. Participants frequently used descriptive and metaphorical language to describe symptoms that were relapsing-remitting and unpredictable. Fatigue and brain fog affected all domains and identified subthemes included symptoms’ synergistic effects, difficulty with multitasking, lack of support, poor self-perception, and fear of loss of income and employment. Personal relationships were affected with change of responsibilities, difficulty parenting, social isolation, and guilt due to the burdens placed on family. Furthermore, underlying social stigma contributed to negative emotions, which significantly affected emotional and mental health. Our findings highlight PASC’s negative impact on patients’ daily lives. Providers can better support COVID-19 survivors during their recovery by identifying their needs in a sensitive and timely manner.

Suggested Citation

  • Emily E. Chasco & Kimberly Dukes & DeShauna Jones & Alejandro P. Comellas & Richard M. Hoffman & Alpana Garg, 2022. "Brain Fog and Fatigue following COVID-19 Infection: An Exploratory Study of Patient Experiences of Long COVID," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-12, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:23:p:15499-:d:981083
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Jon Andoni Duñabeitia & Francisco Mera & Óscar Baro & Tamen Jadad-Garcia & Alejandro R. Jadad, 2023. "Personalized Computerized Training for Cognitive Dysfunction after COVID-19: A Before-and-After Feasibility Pilot Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-10, February.
    2. Murat Bas & Meryem Kahriman & Cansu Gencalp & Selen Koksal Koseoglu & Ladan Hajhamidiasl, 2024. "Adaptation and Validation of the Turkish Version of the Brain Fog Scale," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(6), pages 1-13, June.

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