The impact of long COVID on people living with pre-existing LTC v1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the experiences of adults living with multiple pre-existing long-term conditions and long COVID to understand their rehabilitation needs
IRAS ID
327830
Contact name
Lucy Gardiner
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leicester
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 30 days
Research summary
Research Summary
Almost half of people have ongoing symptoms following COVID-19 (such as fatigue and feeling short of breath) that may affect their day-to-day lives (long COVID). Research to date suggests that education and exercise-based rehabilitation may improve symptoms and quality of life for some people living with long COVID.
People living with two or more (multiple) pre-existing long-term conditions (LTC) (such as diabetes and asthma) are more likely to develop long COVID. But little is known about how long COVID impacts their health and well-being in particular and how best to support them.The aim of the research is to understand the impact of long COVID on people living with multiple pre-existing LTC and to identify their health and well-being needs.
A sample of people living with long COVID and multiple pre-existing LTC (or their supporter) in Leicestershire will be recruited via local NHS long COVID services. Participants (or their supporter) will be asked to take photographs of things they feel represent or symbolise the impact of long COVID on their day-to-day lives across seven days. They will then be invited to a face-to-face, online or telephone interview (as preferred) to talk about their experiences, and health and well-being needs. The photographs will be used during the interview to support the participant to ‘tell their story’, and the interviewer’s understanding of their experiences and needs. Interpreting and translation services will be used where needed. Face-to-face interviews will be held in a local community site, participants’ homes or university site as preferred by the participant.It is hoped that the findings of this research will provide greater understanding of the impact of long COVID on people living with multiple pre-existing LTC and their rehabilitation needs.
The research will be funded by the lead researcher’s Wellcome Trust doctoral fellowship grant.
Summary of Results
Many adults live with two or more (multiple) long-term health conditions (MLTC), such as diabetes, heart disease, or lung problems. These individuals are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell with COVID-19 and developing Long Covid. For people already managing several health conditions, Long Covid can make daily life even more challenging.
This study aimed to understand how Long Covid affects adults who already have MLTC, and what kind of rehabilitation support they need.What we did
We invited adults who had at least two long-term conditions (MLTC) and Long Covid to take part. They were recruited from Long Covid services at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust in 2024–25.
Participants were asked to take photographs showing how Long Covid affects their everyday lives. They then took part in a one to one interview, either in person or online, to talk about their experiences. We analysed the photos and interviews to identify common themes. Two people living with MLTC and Long Covid helped shape the study and interpret the findings.Who took part
Fourteen adults took part. Most were women (10 of 14) and most were White British (11 of 14). Nine people chose to take photographs, and everyone completed an interview.What we found
Participants described Long Covid as adding an extra layer of difficulty to lives already affected by long-term health problems. Six main themes emerged:
• Compounding impacts on daily life: Long Covid made everyday tasks harder and increased physical and emotional strain.
• Changed sense of self: People felt they were no longer the person they used to be.
• Feeling isolated and unsupported: Many felt unheard by services and alone in managing their symptoms.
• Uncertainty and unpredictability: Symptoms varied day to day, making planning difficult.
• Reprioritising life: People had to adjust expectations and rethink what they could realistically do.
• Need for personalised care: Participants wanted support that recognised the complexity of their health needs.Why this matters
The study shows that Long Covid can significantly worsen the challenges faced by people already living with MLTC. Rehabilitation services need to be flexible, personalised, and designed to support the complex realities of this group.REC name
London - Harrow Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/PR/1507
Date of REC Opinion
16 Jan 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion