Health Related Quality of life in CoViD 19 survivors discharged from acute hospitals Results of a Short-Form 36-ltem survey

PURPOSE: Health-related quality of life (HRQL) is important for evaluating the impact of a disease in the longer term across the physical and psychological domains of human functioning. The aim of this study is to evaluate the HRQL in “long-CoViD” survivors using the short form 36-items questionnaire.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: this is an observational study based on adults discharged home following a CoViD 19-related hospital admission. Baseline demographic and clinical data including the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were collected. The validated Italian version of the 36-item short-form survey (SF-36) was administered at a month following discharge. The SF-36 contains eight scales measuring limitations in physical and social functioning, the impact on roles and activities, fatigue, emotional well-being, pain and general health perception.

RESULTS: A total of 35 patients, with a mean age of 60 years, completed the SF-36. The results showed difficulties across the physical and psychological domains, particularly affecting the return to previous roles and activities. A higher burden of co-morbilities as well as a more severe muscle weakness was associated to a lower physical functioning. Younger age, rather than older, correlated to a perceived greater limitation in physical functioning and vitality.

CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 survivors particularly the ones in the working age may need support for resuming their premorbid level of functioning and returning to work.