Beyond the acute phase of COVID-19: health experiences from patients with long COVID. A Systematic Review

• María Rocío Meseguer-Fernández ^{[1] [2]} ; Bárbara Badanta ^{[1] [2]}
  1. [1] Universidad de Sevilla

     Universidad de Sevilla

     Sevilla, España

     
  2. [2] Research Group under the Andalusian Research CTS 1149 “Salud integral y sostenible: enfoque Bio-psico-social, Cultural y Espiritual para el Desarrollo Humano”
• Localización: Academic Journal of Health Sciences: Medicina Balear, ISSN-e 2255-0560, Vol. 40, Nº. 2, 2025, págs. 50-64
• Idioma: inglés
• DOI: 10.3306/AJHS.2025.40.02.50
• Títulos paralelos:
  • Más allá de la fase aguda de COVID-19: experiencias de salud de pacientes con COVID persistente. Una revisión sistemática
• Enlaces
  • Texto completo (pdf)
• Resumen
  • español

    Objetivo: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar las experiencias de salud de los pacientes con COVID persistente.

    Métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática entre junio y julio de 2022 utilizando las bases de datos PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus y Web of Science. Se realizó una evaluación de calidad de los artículos seleccionados.

    Resultados: Un total de 29 artículos fueron incluidos en esta revisión. Por un lado, la persistencia de los síntomas de COVID-19 afectó la capacidad física para realizar las actividades de la vida diaria y también afectó la salud mental, principalmente por ansiedad, depresión y enfermedades postraumáticas derivadas del miedo al contagio, muerte o desesperanza por síntomas que no desaparecen. Por otro lado, también se encontró deterioro social y laboral,y los pacientes sintieron una atención despersonalizada y poca credibilidad por parte de los profesionales y servicios de salud.

    Conclusión: Los síntomas prolongados de COVID pueden afectar negativamente a las personas física, mental, psicológica y socialmente. Los gestores podrían planificar programas para atender no sólo los síntomas, sino también las necesidades básicas e instrumentales de la vida diaria de las personas después del COVID-19, garantizando el fortalecimiento de la salud y la calidad de vida.

  • English

    Aim: This study aimed to investigate the health experiences of patients with long COVID.

    Methods: A systematic review was carried out between June and July 2022 using PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science databases. A quality assessment of the selected articles was performed.

    Results: A total of 29 articles were included in this review. On the one hand, the persistence of symptoms of COVID-19 affected the physical capacity to carry out activities of daily living, and affected as well mental health, mainly due to anxiety, depression and post-traumatic illness derived from fear of contagion, death or hopelessness for symptoms that do not disappear. On the other one, social, and occupational deterioration was also found, and patients felt a depersonalized attention and little credibility by health professionals and health services.

    Conclusion: Long COVID symptoms can adversely affect individuals physically, mentally, psychologically, and socially. Managers could plan programs to attend not only symptoms, but also basic and instrumental needs of the daily life of people after COVID-19, guaranteeing the strengthening of health and quality of life.

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