OTHER STUDIES

Social Environment and Long COVID

Although the COVID-19 pandemic began six years ago, its impact is far from over. Many individuals have various persistent or intermittent, often debilitating long-term symptoms after a SARS-CoV-2 infection, a condition known as post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) or long COVID. PCC has a substantial impact on physical and mental health, daily functioning, work ability and quality of life. Its social impact has only been partially explored, limited to specific aspects such as social support or isolation, and on PCC status as present or absent. However, social health is broader than this: it encompasses social participation and social networks, which comprise structural, functional, and quality dimensions. Additionally, individuals who have recovered from PCC may still experience lingering effects, and those with severe PCC may be more profoundly affected, potentially obscuring differences when PCC is considered only as a binary status (present vs. absent).

This study will explore which aspects of the social environment are associated with former PCC, mild current PCC and severe current PCC statuses among adults (≥ 18 years). Cross-sectional multinomial regressions will be conducted using data from the PRIME (Prevalence, Risk factors and Impact Evaluation of post-COVID-19 condition) study. The findings may contribute to understanding the social impact of PCC and provide guidance for healthcare professionals on relevant areas of social health for different PCC subgroups.

Researchers on the project: Senne Wijnen (PhD Candidate), Lisanne Steijvers (postdoc), & Nicole Dukers (PI) (Health Promotion, Maastricht University)