Long-term health outcomes and risk factors for low self-rated health in non-hospitalised adults with post-COVID-19 condition... - Törnberg et al, 2026

[Kalliope]

Full title: Long-term health outcomes and risk factors for low self-rated health in non-hospitalised adults with post-COVID-19 condition: a 2.5 year cohort study

Abstract​

Background​

Knowledge regarding the clinical course and prognosis in non-hospitalised individuals with post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) remains limited. This study aimed to explore the impact of PCC on physical function, physical activity, and mental health in non-hospitalised adults, and to identify risk factors for low self-rated health. Extended knowledge may inform follow-up strategies and targeted interventions in non-hospitalised individuals with PCC.

Methods​

A cohort study was conducted at a specialised post-COVID clinic, with assessments of physical function (six-minute walk test, one-minute sit-to-stand test, maximal inspiratory pressure, mMRC dyspnoea), physical activity (Frändin/Grimby activity scale), mental health (depression: PHQ-9; anxiety: GAD-7), and self-rated health (EQ VAS) at 12 and 30 months after COVID-19. A total of 130 non-hospitalised adults with PCC were included. Data were collected between August 2020 and December 2024.

Results​

Participants were predominantly middle-aged, previously physically active women. Physical and mental impairments, and low physical activity remained prevalent at follow-up, despite some improvements over time. Impaired performance in the one-minute sit-to-stand test, a Frändin/Grimby activity level < 3, and a PHQ-9 score ≥ 10 at baseline were associated with lower EQ VAS scores at follow-up.

Conclusion​

There were long-term negative impacts of PCC on health outcomes 2.5 years after COVID-19 in non-hospitalised individuals, including impairments in physical and mental health, low physical activity, and low self-rated health. Impaired physical function, low physical activity, and depressive symptoms were identified as risk factors for low self-rated health. These findings expand current knowledge of prognosis in PCC, underscore the need for systematic follow-up using simple clinical tools to identify individuals at high risk, and inform targeted interventions to improve long-term outcomes.

Long-term health outcomes and risk factors for low self-rated health in non-hospitalised adults with post-COVID-19 condition: a 2.5-year cohort study - BMC Public Health

Knowledge regarding the clinical course and prognosis in non-hospitalised individuals with post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) remains limited. This study aimed

link.springer.com

 

[Kalliope]

Cidrap: Long-COVID symptoms persist for years in nonhospitalized adults

quote:

The findings suggest that recovery in nonhospitalized individuals may be slow and incremental, even years after infection.

“Although most outcomes showed statistically significant improvements between assessments, the changes may not represent clinically meaningful improvement,” write the researchers. “These findings contribute to the understanding of the clinical course of PCC, suggest a slow improvement over time, and highlight the need for further research to better characterise recovery trajectories in this population.”

Long-COVID symptoms persist for years in nonhospitalized adults, study reveals

Adults who were physically active before COVID infection still had impairments years later.

www.cidrap.umn.edu

 

[rvallee]

Knowledge regarding the clinical course and prognosis in non-hospitalised individuals with post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) remains limited.

After 6 years, this is an absurd level of failure. It's not that we don't know enough, it's that what's known is dismissed because it doesn't fit the narrative.

A total of 130 non-hospitalised adults with PCC were included. Data were collected between August 2020 and December 2024.

Impaired performance in the one-minute sit-to-stand test, a Frändin/Grimby activity level < 3, and a PHQ-9 score ≥ 10 at baseline were associated with lower EQ VAS scores at follow-up.

Said knowledge remains limited. This all feels like the aftermath of a giant natural disaster, where the response consists of two dudes in a pick-up truck who routinely go on location, notice that everything is still destroyed, and the report they send back is snagged in the spam filter but no one notices because those responsible couldn't care less.

These findings contribute to the understanding of the clinical course of PCC, suggest a slow improvement over time, and highlight the need for further research to better characterise recovery trajectories in this population.”

Sure, just make sure the two dudes in a pick-up truck who go to the scene of disaster report back that everything is still broken, no need to do anything more than that, and if you wait long enough, the problem will still be there, but at least no one will have bothered to try.

 

[Kalliope]

thanks for the continuous supply of chuckles @rvallee
not a fan of what you are describing, but the way you do it sure make things easier!