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

Author

Listed:
  • 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
    Clinical Research Centre, Rijnstate Hospital, 6815 AD Arnhem, The Netherlands)

  • Job van der Palen

    (Department of Epidemiology, Medisch Spectrum Twente, 7512 KZ Enschede, The Netherlands
    Section Cognition, Data and Education, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands)

  • Harald E. Vonkeman

    (Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands
    Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medisch Spectrum Twente, 7512 KZ Enschede, The Netherlands)

  • Christina Bode

    (Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands)

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

Suggested Citation

  • Gerko Schaap & Marleen Wensink & Carine J. M. Doggen & Job van der Palen & Harald E. Vonkeman & Christina Bode, 2022. "“It Really Is an Elusive Illness”—Post-COVID-19 Illness Perceptions and Recovery Strategies: A Thematic Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-16, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:20:p:13003-:d:938647
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