Functioning of patients with post-COVID syndrome — preliminary data

Abstract

Introduction: Post-COVID syndrome is a common finding during the first year after SARS-CoV-2 infection affecting the daily living of many patients. The aim of this study was to assess the functioning of patients with post-COVID syndrome. Material and methods: A self-reported questionnaire — the Functioning in Chronic Illness Scale (FCIS) — was applied in 79 (30 women, 49 men) patients (mean age of 62.7 ± 13.6 years), suffering from post- COVID syndrome 5.8 ± 2.3 months after discharge from hospital. Results: The mean FCIS score was 86.2 ± 12.8 points, corresponding to medium functioning level. The mean score in the first, second and third subscale was 27.0 ± 6.4; 27.5 ± 3.7; and 31.7 ± 4.3 points respectively. Better functioning was observed in men vs women: the FCIS score 88.59 ± 10.95 vs 82.20 ± 14.71; p = 0.02 and in the youngest patients: first ( < 59 years) vs second (59–67 years) vs third tercile ( > 67 years): FCIS score 92.76 ± 14.84 vs 83.15 ± 11.64 vs 83.07 ± 9.68; p = 0.01). The amount of time from COVID-19-related hospitalisation did not affect the FCIS score. Conclusion: Symptoms of post-COVID syndrome influencing patients’ functioning persist within the first year regardless of the time elapsing from the disease. Men and younger patients demonstrate better functioning abilities.