Estado funcional e mental de sobreviventes da COVID-19 : um estudo de acompanhamento prospectivo.

Abstract

Background and Objectives: After recovery from COVID-19, symptoms may persist for weeks/months, suggesting "COVID-19 Long". We need answers about the period of symptoms, sequelae and the group susceptible to develop it. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess after hospital evaluate the functional and mental status of COVID-19 survivors. Methods: Observational study, case study, with prospective follow-up of individuals hospitalized in a hospital in southern Brazil. After hospital discharge, se assessed functional (Functional Status Scale after COVID-19) and mental status (Beck Anxiety and Depression Index, Event Impact Scale–Revisada_IES-R and Herth's Hope Scale) reapplying them after 30 days. Data collection occurred by telephone contact between July and November 2021. Results: Evaluated 6 subjects (5 men), age 40.1±3.7 years, BMI=34.0±6.5 Kg/m2 and pulmonary involvement >50% (n=3) were evaluated. After hospital discharge: all (n=6) had functional limitations, signs and symptoms of anxiety and mild depression and high level of hope; 1 subject had post-event stress (IES-R). Findings after 30 days of follow-up: improvement of functional status, significant reduction in the total score of the IES-R, but without change in classification and reduction in its avoidance subscale. Conclusion: Survivors of COVID-19 present after hospital discharge a limited functional status at different levels, mild anxiety and depression, high level of hope and low post-event stress. After 30 days of follow-up, the functional status improves, but the mental state remains symptomatic for anxiety, depression and post-event stress, except for the lower revulsion about issues related to the covid-19 affliction.