Impacts of long COVID on disability, function and quality of life for adults living in Australia, 2025, Hitch et al.

[SNT Gatchaman]

Impacts of long COVID on disability, function and quality of life for adults living in Australia

Spoiler: Authors

Danielle Hitch; Tanita Botha; Fisaha Tesfay; Sara Holton; Catherine M Said; Martin Hensher; Kieva Richards; Mary Rose Angeles; Catherine M Bennett; Genevieve Pepin; Bodil Rasmussen; Kelli Nicola-Richmond

BACKGROUND
To describe the impact of long COVID on disability, function and quality of life among adults living in Australia.

METHOD
People aged >18years with a history of COVID-19 infection confirmed by polymerase chain reaction or rapid antigen test were eligible for this cross-sectional survey. The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 measured disability and function, and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey assessed quality of life.

RESULTS
Participants (n=121) reported significant functional impairment and reduced quality of life compared with established population norms for these outcome measures. Most (n=104, 86%) reported clinically significant disability and participation limitations in daily activities. Mean World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 scores indicated higher levels of disability than 98% of the general population. The 36-Item Short Form Health Survey scores indicated lower quality of life across all domains, but particularly in relation to vitality and social functioning. Regression analysis found significant associations between the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey scores, and vaccine dose number, comorbidities and self-rated recovery.

CONCLUSION
Long COVID is associated with significantly reduced function and quality of life, which are distinct outcomes requiring targeted assessment and intervention. The overall impact may be exacerbated in people with pre-existing comorbidities who are more susceptible to long COVID in the first place. The findings underscore the need for targeted rehabilitation and support services for people living in Australia with long COVID, and further longitudinal research to explore the long-term impact on disability and quality of life, and inform policy and healthcare service delivery.

Web | PDF | Australian Journal of Primary Health | Open Access

 

[SNT Gatchaman]

The Conversation: Long COVID is more than fatigue. Our new study suggests its impact is similar to a stroke or Parkinson’s

Sounds like it's being underplayed.

People with long COVID reported worse disability than 98% of the general Australian population. A total of 86% of those with long COVID met the threshold for serious disability compared with 9% of Australians overall.

On average, people had trouble with daily activities on about 27 days a month and were unable to function on about 18 days.

Tasks such as eating or dressing were less affected, but more complex areas – housework and socialising – were badly impacted. People could often meet basic needs, but their ability to contribute to their homes, workplaces and communities was limited.

Quality of life was also badly affected. Energy levels and social life were the most impacted, reflecting how fatigue and brain fog affect activities, relationships and community connections. On average, overall quality of life scores were 23% lower than the general population.

No mention of the quality-of-life-reduction multiplier that is healthcare, and of course: rehab.

We need rehabilitation and support services that go beyond basic medical care. People need support to manage fatigue, such as “pacing” and conserving energy by not overexerting themselves. Workplaces need to accommodate people with long COVID by reducing hours, redesigning job demands and offering flexible leave. People also need support to rebuild social connections.

All this requires people with long COVID to be thoughtfully assessed and treated. Listening to patients and valuing their experience is a crucial first step.

 

[rvallee]

All this requires people with long COVID to be thoughtfully assessed and treated. Listening to patients and valuing their experience is a crucial first step.

Anyone going to be the first to do that? No? OK, then. Let's keep the useless rehab loop going, clearly no one seems to mind in this profession.

 

[Utsikt]

Anyone going to be the first to do that? No? OK, then. Let's keep the useless rehab loop going, clearly no one seems to mind in this profession.

The rehab will continue until morale improves.

 

[EndME]

The rehab will continue until morale improves.

And it only requires a couple of sufficiently expensive session to improve morale in rehab. That is for the practitioner of course.