Symptom Experience and Management of Long COVID in Older Adults with Chronic Illnesses A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review
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Abstract
Purpose: To identify and synthesize the symptom experiences and symptom management strategies among older adults with chronic conditions living with long COVID.
Design: A mixed-methods systematic review.
Methods: This study follows the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted across six databased including PubMed, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, PsycINFO, Scopus, and ThaiJO to identify quantitative and qualitative studies published in English or Thai between December 2019 and April 2024. Eight relevant studies were selected and analyzed through thematic analysis.
Main findings: The findings indicate that older adults with chronic conditions experienced an unexpected symptom burden resulting from long COVID, which disrupted their daily lives by impacting their health and triggering negative emotions. Common physical symptoms included fatigue and shortness of breath, while psychological symptoms were memory loss and anxiety. Several self-directed management strategies were used, including addressing both visible and invisible symptoms, seeking support, and accepting the situation. They also suggested the need for continued monitoring, provision of information about long COVID, and improved access to healthcare services.
Conclusion and recommendations: Experiencing the physical and psychological symptoms of long COVID impacts the daily lives and mental health of older adults with chronic illnesses, leading them to adopt symptom management strategies to regain a sense of normalcy. This suggests that healthcare providers should integrate personalized symptom monitoring, the use of digital health tools (e.g., mobile applications for symptom tracking and self-care support), and structured nurse-led coaching programs into care plans. Such interventions can empower them to better recognize, interpret, and manage their symptoms more effectively.
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