Individuals' perceptions of Long Covid: a phenomenological approach to an online health community narratives.

BACKGROUND

In 2023, it was estimated that at least 65 million individuals had Long Covid (LC). Yet the literature reveals a lack of knowledge on how individuals perceive and experience LC symptoms. This study aims to explore how individuals with Long Covid describe their symptoms across physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and behavioural dimensions, and to analyse these experiences through the lens of the Symptom Management Theory (SMT) using a phenomenological and netnographic approach to spontaneous patient narratives.

METHODS

A netnographic study was conducted on 63 selected participants in France from 19 April 2020 to 31 December 2022. Narratives were first analysed phenomenologically using TROPES software. Verbatims were then coded through content analysis with NVivo12Pro and organised according to the SMT dimensions of symptom experience.

RESULTS

The study revealed that the testimonies of Long Covid patients are characterized by an argumentative, personal, and chronological discourse, highlighting the intensity of persistent symptoms and their significant impact on daily life. The most frequent symptoms identified include bodily pain, respiratory issues, chronic fatigue, as well as sensory and cognitive disturbances, along with significant emotional and social challenges.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates the profound and multidimensional impact of Long Covid on patients’ daily lives, highlighting the need for a holistic, integrated approach to its management, considering affective, cognitive, behavioural, physical, and social dimensions to improve patients’ quality of life. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Understanding the lived experiences of LC patients can guide healthcare services in providing more targeted, empathetic, and effective support.