Health-related quality of life, functional decline, and long-term mortality in older patients following hospitalisation due to COVID-19

Abstract Background Older people are particularly vulnerable to severe COVID-19. Little is known about long-term consequences of COVID-19 on health-related quality life (HR-QoL) and functional status in older people, the impact age this context. We aimed study age-related change life, decline mortality among patients 6 months following hospitalisation due Methods This was a cohort including aged 60 years admitted four general hospitals South-Eastern Norway COVID-19, from March 1 up until July 1, 2020. Patients who were still alive invited attend six-month follow-up. Change HR-QoL compared before assessed using EuroQol 5-dimensional-5 levels questionnaire (EQ. 5D-5L). A visual analogue scale (VAS) score 7 or more considered clinically relevant. Results Out 216 that hospital during period, 171 180 days after admission, 106 (62%) attended Mean 74.3 years, 27 (26%) had experienced Fifty-seven participants (54%) reported decrease EQ. 5D-5L VAS months, with no significant difference between persons 75 younger. Seventy (66%) negative any dimensions 5D-5L, impaired ability perform activities daily (35%), reduced mobility (33%) having pain discomfort being most commonly changes. Forty-six (43%) cognitive function hospitalisation. Six-month 21%, increased increasing age. Conclusions More than half one out three persistently carry living. The results suggest awareness patients.