Functioning, Disability and Rehabilitation After Mild Infection in Concern to Previous Health Status: A Lithuanian Online Survey Study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective: To compare self-reported functioning, disability, and health care-seeking behavior of previously healthy and unhealthy participants after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Design: Cross-sectional design conducted in 2021–2022. Subjects/Patients: Participants 18 years or older were asked to participate in an anonymous survey after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection (at least 28 days passed). Methods: The survey was conducted using an Internet-based questionnaire distributed through Lithuanian websites, including Facebook groups, city/town/district hospitals, and media outlets. Results: The final cohort consisted of 1945 participants, almost 90% being women with higher education and approximately 89% working at the time of survey. The mean age was 43 years. Among them, 53% reported to be healthy before SARS-CoV-2 infection and 5% were hospitalized during acute infection. Individuals with chronic diseases prior to infection rated their health status significantly lower but reported similar functional capacity before infection. After infection, they reported more restricted activities and more often sought health care due to remaining symptoms. In total, 16% of the cohort applied for rehabilitation services and only 7% were accepted, more often those with chronic diseases before infection. Conclusions: Results indicate a small proportion of participants receiving rehabilitation services, more often these with prior chronic diseases. The results increase awareness of rehabilitation needs after infection, particularly for previously unhealthy people.
Source: COVID
DOI: 10.3390/covid5120201
Language: English
Subfield: Neurology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,207
OpenAlex ID: W4416918123