The COVID-19 pandemic has led to long-term health issues for many, particularly those suffering from Long COVID, which significantly affects their quality of life. Patients continue to face challenges such as hopelessness, distress, and social isolation, emphasizing the need for both medical and social support. Despite increasing awareness of Long COVID, little is known about perceived community support among people with this condition. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine perceived community support and identify the sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with it.
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 adults (aged 18 and older) experiencing Long COVID symptoms, who were recruited from primary care. The primary outcome, perceived community support, was measured using the Perceived Community Support Questionnaire, assessing four areas: community integration, participation, informal social support, and formal social support.Sociodemographic and clinical data were also collected.
Living in a rural area and better health literacy were associated with greater perceived community support. Having children was associated with greater community integration. A higher number of persistent symptoms, along with rural living, were associated with greater community participation. Better cognitive function and a higher number of persistent symptoms were associated with greater informal social support, whereas sleep problems were associated with lower informal social support. No significant associations were found for formal
social support. Perceptions of community support among people with long COVID vary according to
sociodemographic and clinical factors. Identifying groups with lower perceived community support
may help inform targeted interventions aimed at improving their well-being.
Given the exploratory nature of this study and the absence of adjustment for multiple comparisons, these findings should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating rather than confirmatory.
Keywords:
Social Support; Perceived Community Support; Community Participation; Post-Acute COVID-19
Syndrome; Long COVID
