Lived Experiences of American Adults Who Survive COVID-19: Implications for Physical Activity and Interpersonal Stress

Abstract

Introduction: The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases has surpassed 579 million globally. Symptoms during and after COVID-19 infection vary from mild cold symptoms to severe multisystem illness. Given the wide range of symptom presentations and complications post-COVID-19, the purpose of this study was to describe the lived experience of American adults surviving COVID-19. Method: This study employed an exploratory qualitative description design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 35 individuals (White [94%], female [71%], Mage = 43.7 years), with proximity to a university in an urban Midwest American city. Interviews occurred between May and August 2021, 3 or more months after participants tested positive for COVID-19. Results: Forty percent of the 35 participants experienced prolonged COVID-19 symptoms impacting their lifestyle. Four themes characterized the impacts of the post-COVID-19 condition on the lives of the participants within the context of a global pandemic: (a) disruptions in health and well-being, (b) persistent uncertainty, (c) disruptions in interpersonal relationships, (d) beneficent outcomes and adaptation. Discussion: This study of COVID-19 has identified important implications for physical activity and interpersonal stress. Prolonged COVID-19 symptoms led to disruptions in the health, wellbeing, and interpersonal relationships of participants. Health care professionals need to attend to symptoms post-COVID-19, assess interpersonal functioning, and provide guidance on physical activity. Future studies are recommended to track consequences of COVID-19’s impact on long-term health and well-being.