Figuring Out Life After Covid-19 : a Qualitative Study From Sweden

• OBJECTIVE: To obtain a deeper understanding of the daily life experiences of working aged people during the year following hospitalization due to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), with a focus on function-ing in daily life and return to work.DESIGN: An explorative qualitative study using individual interviews.SUBJECTS: A purposive sample was selected of persons who had received inpatient hospital care, had been discharged approximately 1 year previously and were of working age.METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 participants (9 men, 2 women). The interviews were transcribed and analysed with inductive thematic analysis.RESULTS: Four themes were identified. Navigating health, with or without support from healthcare, was described as challenging when managing consequences of COVID-19. Participants struggled with a lack of energy that interfered with daily life. It was a trial-and-error process trying to use familiar strategies in new ways to manage. The return to work process was facilitated by own strategies and support.CONCLUSION: This study contributes increased knowledge of everyday life experiences of people 1 year following hospitalization due to COVID-19. The lack of energy and a struggle to manage health while navigating the healthcare system emphasize the importance of strengthening personal and organizational health literacy to facilitate the recovery process after severe COVID-19.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Folkhälsovetenskap, global hälsa, socialmedicin och epidemiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Public Health, Global Health, Social Medicine and Epidemiology (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Annan hälsovetenskap (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Other Health Sciences (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

COVID-19; long COVID

rehabilitation; qualita-tive research; inpatients; recovery

activities of daily living; follow-up studies; health literacy; return to work

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)