“It Really Is an Elusive Illness”—Post-COVID-19 Illness Perceptions and Recovery Strategies: A Thematic Analysis

Gerko Schaap (), Marleen Wensink, Carine J. M. Doggen, Job van der Palen, Harald E. Vonkeman and Christina Bode
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Gerko Schaap: Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands
Marleen Wensink: Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands
Carine J. M. Doggen: Department of Health Technology and Services Research, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands
Job van der Palen: Department of Epidemiology, Medisch Spectrum Twente, 7512 KZ Enschede, The Netherlands
Harald E. Vonkeman: Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands
Christina Bode: Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 20, 1-16

Abstract: A substantial number of patients report persisting symptoms after a COVID-19 infection: so-called post-COVID-19 syndrome. There is limited research on patients’ perspectives on post-COVID-19 symptoms and ways to recover. This qualitative study explored the illness perceptions and recovery strategies of patients who had been hospitalised for COVID-19. Differences between recovered and non-recovered patients were investigated. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were held with 24 participating patients (8 recovered and 16 non-recovered) 7 to 12 months after hospital discharge. Data were interpreted using reflexive thematic analysis. Four overarching themes were identified: (I) symptoms after hospital discharge; (II) impact of COVID-19 on daily life and self-identity; (III) uncertainty about COVID-19; and (IV) dealing with COVID-19. Formerly hospitalised post-COVID-19 patients seem to have difficulties with making sense of their illness and gaining control over their recovery. The majority of non-recovered participants continue to suffer mostly from weakness or fatigue, dyspnoea and cognitive dysfunction. No notable differences in illness beliefs were observed between recovered and non-recovered participants

Keywords: post-COVID-19 syndrome; long COVID; COVID-19; illness perceptions; self-regulation model; recovery; qualitative; reflexive thematic analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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