FUNCTIONAL STATUS OF POST-COVID-19 PATIENTS IN KAZAKHSTAN.

Area of Science:

• Medical Research
• Public Health
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Post-COVID syndrome is a significant global health challenge impacting physical function and quality of life.
• Kazakhstan faces a growing burden of long COVID, necessitating local research.
• Understanding the long-term effects of COVID-19 is crucial for developing targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the functional status and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in COVID-19 survivors in Kazakhstan.
• To compare outcomes between hospitalized and non-hospitalized COVID-19 survivors.
• To identify key factors influencing recovery and long-term well-being post-COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 209 COVID-19 survivors with persistent symptoms was conducted.
• Functional status was evaluated using the six-minute walk test (6MWT), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), MRC Dyspnea Scale, and Post-COVID-19 Functional Status (PCFS).
• Data were analyzed to compare outcomes between hospitalized (n=194) and non-hospitalized (n=33) patient groups.

Main Results:

• Non-hospitalized patients demonstrated significantly better 6MWT distances compared to hospitalized patients (519.3±72.3 m vs. 435.0±109.3 m, p<0.001).
• Hospitalized patients reported greater functional limitations (PCFS 2.7±0.6 vs. 2.32±0.93, p<0.001).
• While dyspnea and fatigue were prevalent in both groups, hospitalized patients showed an age-related increase in fatigue (p=0.0238).

Conclusions:

• Hospitalization is associated with poorer functional outcomes in COVID-19 survivors.
• Persistent fatigue and dyspnea are common sequelae affecting all survivors, regardless of hospitalization status.
• Comprehensive rehabilitation strategies are essential for improving the long-term health and quality of life of COVID-19 survivors in Kazakhstan.