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Long covid affects over 36 million individuals in the European region, but its clinical profile is still poorly defined, particularly in the general population with less severe acute disease. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of a broad spectrum of symptoms potentially linked to long covid in the general population of Tuscany, Italy.
A cross-sectional study was conducted in January–February 2024 using Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviews in a representative population sample of Tuscany. Based on the WHO questionnaire long covid symptom list, data on 33 symptoms experienced in the past 6 months were collected, along with demographic and clinical characteristics. After excluding patients with COVID-19 within the past 6 months and those failing a screening cognitive test, symptom prevalence and ORs adjusted for sex, time since infection, smoking and concurrent diseases (aOR) were calculated according to COVID-19 history.
After excluding 129 failing the cognitive test (6.4%) and 123 recent COVID cases (6.1%), among 1753 participants interviewed, 1013 (57.8%) had a history of COVID-19. The symptoms significantly more prevalent in individuals with previous COVID-19 were fatigue (12.8% vs 8.9%, aOR 1.6 (95% CI 1.2 to 2.2)), concentration impairment (5.5% vs 2.4%, aOR 2.2 (95% CI 1.3 to 3.8)) and skin rashes (4.5% vs 2.4%, aOR 1.9 (95% CI 1.1 to 3.3)). Prevalences and ORs were higher in more recent COVID-19 cases, particularly females and individuals with concurrent diseases.
We identified in a population-based study some symptoms significantly more common in individuals with previous COVID-19. This approach complements data collected in clinical settings and in patients selected by greater disease severity. The findings may help future surveillance efforts and targeted public health interventions directed at optimising care pathways and mitigating long-term consequences.
This study aimed to test the psychometric properties of the Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory and the Self-Care Self-Efficacy scale in patients with cancer.
A multisite cross-sectional validation study was conducted.
Between November 2022 and July 2023, a convenience sample of 318 patients with cancer were enrolled in five Italian inpatient and outpatient facilities. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed on the three scales of the Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory and the Self-Care Self-Efficacy scale. Internal consistency was tested using Cronbach's alpha for unidimensional scales and McDonald's Omega for multidimensional scales. Construct validity was assessed with the global health status by Pearson's correlation. The COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments reporting guidelines were followed for the reporting process.
Three hundred fourteen patients were included (median age: 55.5 years; male: 53.82%). Confirmatory factor analysis showed supportive fit indices for the three Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory scales (CFI: 0.977–1.000; SRMR: 0.004–0.78) and the Self-Care Self-Efficacy scale (CFI: 1.000; SRMR: 0.014). All scales demonstrated adequate internal consistency (0.89–0.99) and test–retest reliability (0.85–0.95). Construct validity was confirmed through correlations between Self-Care Self-Efficacy, each Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory scale, and global health status.
The Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory and Self-Care Self-Efficacy scales demonstrated excellent psychometric qualities and construct validity when administered to patients with cancer. Future research should explore self-care behaviours across different diseases and cultural contexts.
These tools can help develop targeted educational programs, improving patient outcomes.
Currently, there is a lack of knowledge regarding self-care behaviours in patients with cancer. These tools enable healthcare professionals to identify patient needs, design personalised interventions, and monitor their effectiveness over time.
No patient or public contribution.
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