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

Authors

  • Alexandra C. Larsson Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9100-4071
  • Karin Törnbom Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Social Work, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
  • Katharina S. Sunnerhagen Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Neuroscience, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5940-4400
  • Annie Palstam Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Neuroscience, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; School of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden
  • Hanna C. Persson Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2340/jrm.v55.11931

Keywords:

COVID-19, rehabilitation, qualitative research, inpatients, recovery, activites od daily living, follow-up studies, Health Literacy, return to work

Abstract

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 function­ing 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.

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Published

2023-12-11

How to Cite

Larsson, A. C., Törnbom, K., Sunnerhagen, K. S., Palstam, A., & Persson, H. C. (2023). Figuring Out Life After Covid-19: a Qualitative Study From Sweden. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 55, jrm11931. https://doi.org/10.2340/jrm.v55.11931

Issue

Vol. 55 (2023)

Section

Original Report

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Copyright (c) 2023 Alexandra C. Larsson, Karin Törnbom, Katharina S. Sunnerhagen, Annie Palstam, Hanna C. Persson

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