Objective: To identify factors, present at 3 months after COVID-19 that are associated with the level of functioning 1 year after hospitalization.
Design: Multicenter prospective observational study.
Setting: Region Västra Götaland Sweden.
Participants: Patients ≥ 18 years of age who were followed regarding body functions and activities 3 months and 1 year after discharge from a hospitalization for COVID-19.
Main measures: Patient-reported outcome measures at 3 months and 1 year, a clinical follow-up at 1 year, and clinical information retrieved from medical charts.
Results: In total 169 participants were included in the analysis, including 113 males (67%). The mean patient age was 66 (standard deviation (SD) 13, range 21-95). One year after hospitalization, 50 (34%) participants were under the normative value for forced vital capacity and 57 (39%) were under normative value for forced expiratory volume in 1 second. The mean walking distance was 441 m (SD 118 m) in the 6-minute walking test, and 62 (40%) patients reported mobility problems. Older age, female sex, and more self-reported symptoms of physical fatigue were significantly associated with lower levels of functioning 1 year after COVID-19. The initial severity of COVID-19 did not significantly influence functioning at 1 year.
Conclusion: Previously hospitalized individuals with respiratory difficulties 1 year after COVID-19 may present acceptable lung function on spirometry but be close to their maximal functional performance. The findings highlight the need for in-depth assessments to identify rehabilitation needs.
Keywords: COVID-19; activity; body function; functional outcomes; functioning; hospitals; post-COVID; rehabilitation; respiration.