Abstract

Long COVID, characterized by persistent symptoms following acute COVID-19, presents a growing challenge. To address this, a reliable and valid tool, the POST-COVID FUNCTIONAL SCALE (PCFS), has been developed to assess functional limitations in post-COVID-19 patients. This study aims to investigate the reliability and validity of the PCFS and its clinical implications. An observational study with 40 post-COVID-19 patients aged 40-60 was conducted. The PCFS, designed to categorize functional limitations, was administered at two time points, examining test-retest reliability. Concurrent validity was established by comparing PCFS results with the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Data analysis employed statistical tests, including correlation analysis and ANOVA. Test-retest analysis revealed a high positive correlation (r = 0.837) between PCFS scores at two different time points, demonstrating the scale's reliability. A significant difference between groups (F = 33.3, p < 0.001) in the ANOVA indicates that PCFS and SF-36 measure distinct aspects of functional status, establishing concurrent validity. The POST-COVID FUNCTIONAL SCALE proves reliable and valid for assessing functional limitations in post-COVID-19 patients. Its ability to provide unique insights into the extent of impairment complements the SF-36's broader assessment of health-related quality of life. The PCFS equips healthcare providers with a valuable instrument for tailoring rehabilitation programs and interventions to enhance the recovery and overall quality of life of Long COVID patients.

Description