FUNCTIONAL STATUS OF POST-COVID-19 PATIENTS IN KAZAKHSTAN

Post-COVID syndrome remains a major global health issue, affecting physical performance and quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate functional status and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among COVID-19 survivors in Kazakhstan.

A cross-sectional study was conducted at Semey Medical University from April to December 2024, including 209 patients with persistent symptoms at least one month after infection or hospital discharge. Clinical evaluation included the six-minute walk test (6MWT), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Medical Research Council (MRC) Dyspnea Scale, and Post-COVID-19 Functional Status (PCFS). Results were compared between hospitalized (n=194) and non-hospitalized (n=33) patients.

Sociodemographic characteristics did not differ significantly between groups. Non-hospitalized patients had higher 6MWT distances (519.3±72.3 m vs. 435.0±109.3 m, p<0.001), while hospitalized patients showed greater functional limitations (PCFS 2.7±0.6 vs. 2.32±0.93, p<0.001). Dyspnea and fatigue severity were similar in both groups, though hospitalized patients demonstrated an age-related increase in fatigue (p=0.0238).

Hospitalization was linked to impaired functional outcomes, yet persistent fatigue and dyspnea affected all patients, underscoring the need for comprehensive rehabilitation strategies for COVID-19 survivors in Kazakhstan.