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Defining and measuring long COVID fatigue: a scoping review.
Bethan Thomas1, Rachael Pattinson2, Deborah Edwards3
1School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK thomasb60@cardiff.ac.uk.
BMJ Open
|December 11, 2024
Summary
Researchers found diverse definitions and predominantly self-reported measures for long COVID fatigue. Consistent language and measurement are urgently needed for better understanding and treatment of this prevalent symptom.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Public Health
- Symptomology
Background:
- Fatigue is a prevalent symptom of Long COVID.
- Understanding how fatigue is defined and measured in Long COVID is crucial but unclear.
- This review addresses the need for clarity in Long COVID fatigue research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the definitions of fatigue in Long COVID.
- To identify the measurement tools used for Long COVID fatigue.
- To advance the understanding of Long COVID fatigue by synthesizing current research.
Main Methods:
- A scoping review was conducted following JBI methodology.
- Extensive databases were searched from January 2020 to May 2023.
- Quantitative and qualitative studies defining or measuring Long COVID fatigue were included.
Main Results:
- 57 studies met the inclusion criteria; only 37% defined fatigue.
- Definitions encompassed physical, mental, cognitive, emotional, and psychosocial dimensions.
- 96% of studies measured fatigue, primarily using self-report methods (21 types) and fatigability measures (5 types).
Conclusions:
- Significant diversity exists in Long COVID fatigue definitions.
- Predominant use of self-report measures presents limitations.
- There is an urgent need for consistent terminology and measurement of Long COVID fatigue.
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