[Quality of life and functional status at hospital discharge of patients with COVID-19 in Colombia].

Abstract

Objective: To determine the perception of quality of life and functional status after hospital discharge in Colombian patients with COVID-19.

Materials and methods: A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in which the SF-36 questionnaire and the post-COVID-19 functional status scale were applied to Colombians in the post-hospital discharge period to assess quality of life and functionality after COVID-19.

Results: There were 151 participants, with a mean age of 56.43 years, 68% of whom were men. 79% were in the Care Unit, the average hospital stay was 28.46 days, 22% were smokers, and 64% had comorbidities. There was evidence of a decrease in the perception of health-related quality of life, mainly in the dimensions of vitality (0.47), general health (0.56), and physical role (0.56). There was evidence of functional limitations ranging from minimal to severe. The most frequent persistent symptoms were fatigue, dyspnea, and pain.

Conclusions: COVID-19 impacts the perception of quality of life and functionality of surviving patients, even beyond six months after hospital discharge.