PhD defence Debbie Gach
Supervisors: Prof. dr. Annemie Schols, Prof. dr. Joop van den Bergh
Co-supervisors: Dr. Rosanne Beijers, Dr. Frits van Osch
Keywords: Post COVID-19 condition, Multidimensional health, Lifestyle intervention
"Post COVID-19: A Multidimensional Health Perspective"
Post COVID-19 condition is a heterogeneous, multisystem condition that can affect multiple organ systems, including the brain, lungs, heart, skeletal muscles, and gastrointestinal tract. Clinical manifestations vary widely and include amongst others fatigue, dyspnea, cognitive impairment (e.g., difficulties with concentration and memory), and mental health symptoms.
This dissertation investigated the multidimensional health outcomes following COVID-19 and explored the feasibility of a personalized lifestyle intervention to support recovery. The findings highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of health impairments post COVID-19. Although improvements in muscle and lungs were observed after hospitalization, a substantial proportion of patients continued to experience persistent physical, mental, and cognitive symptoms up to one year post-discharge.
In the longer term, up to two years after infection, individuals with self-reported post COVID-19 condition reported lower quality of life and greater subjective health limitations compared to those without self-reported post COVID-19 condition. Finally, this dissertation demonstrates that a digital, personalized lifestyle intervention contributes to healthier lifestyle behaviors and supports recovery following COVID-19.
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