"It Really Is an Elusive Illness"-Post-COVID-19 Illness Perceptions and Recovery Strategies: A Thematic Analysis

Gerko Schaap, Marleen Wensink, Carine J M Doggen, Job van der Palen, Harald E Vonkeman, Christina Bode, Gerko Schaap, Marleen Wensink, Carine J M Doggen, Job van der Palen, Harald E Vonkeman, Christina Bode

Abstract

A substantial number of patients report persisting symptoms after a COVID-19 infection: so-called post-COVID-19 syndrome. There is limited research on patients' perspectives on post-COVID-19 symptoms and ways to recover. This qualitative study explored the illness perceptions and recovery strategies of patients who had been hospitalised for COVID-19. Differences between recovered and non-recovered patients were investigated. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were held with 24 participating patients (8 recovered and 16 non-recovered) 7 to 12 months after hospital discharge. Data were interpreted using reflexive thematic analysis. Four overarching themes were identified: (I) symptoms after hospital discharge; (II) impact of COVID-19 on daily life and self-identity; (III) uncertainty about COVID-19; and (IV) dealing with COVID-19. Formerly hospitalised post-COVID-19 patients seem to have difficulties with making sense of their illness and gaining control over their recovery. The majority of non-recovered participants continue to suffer mostly from weakness or fatigue, dyspnoea and cognitive dysfunction. No notable differences in illness beliefs were observed between recovered and non-recovered participants.

Keywords: COVID-19; illness perceptions; long COVID; post-COVID-19 syndrome; qualitative; recovery; reflexive thematic analysis; self-regulation model.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Common-Sense Model of Illness Representation.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Interview guide.

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Source: PubMed

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