New-Onset Long COVID Pain and its Impacts on HRQoL
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Lived Experiences of New-Onset Long COVID Pain and its Impact on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). A mixed methods study
IRAS ID
352815
Contact name
Nicholas Norman Adams
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Robert Gordon University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 30 days
Research summary
Many people who have had COVID-19 continue to experience ongoing symptoms, including new pains that developed during or after the infection, affecting daily life and overall well-being. This can include any new-onset pain that was not present before the infection and has persisted for weeks or months, such as muscle pain, joint pain, nerve pain, chest pain, or generalised body pain. However, the lived experiences of people with any new-onset pain related to COVID-19 and its broader impact on health-related quality of life are still poorly understood. This study aims to explore these experiences and how this pain affects health-related quality of life.
It will use a mixed-methods design. In the first phase, around 14–18 adults aged 18 years and above, living in the UK, who developed any new pain due to COVID-19 infection lasting for more than four weeks, will be invited to take part in an online or telephone interview. These interviews will explore their lived experiences, including how pain has affected their daily lives, how they manage their pain symptoms, their mental well-being, access to healthcare, and unmet healthcare needs.
In the second phase, an online questionnaire will be shared nationally with approximately 300 adults aged 18 years and above who meet similar criteria. The survey will collect information on pain symptoms, physical and mental health, self-management strategies, access to healthcare, unmet healthcare needs, and quality of life.
Findings from both phases will be analysed together to provide a deeper understanding of new-onset Long COVID pain and its impact on the health-related quality of life to inform future treatment approaches and support for those living with this condition.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 5
REC reference
26/WS/0041
Date of REC Opinion
12 Mar 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion