Assessment of fatigue in Long Covid patients: evaluation of psychometric qualities of the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS).
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Abstract
BACKGROUND
Fatigue is experienced as lack of energy, exhaustion, physical and mental tiredness, while apathy is depicted as an expression of a depressive status. Sars-Cov-2 infection causes long-term sequelae that impact activities of daily living (ADL). The aim of this study is to evaluate psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) in individuals with Long-Covid.
METHODS
This retrospective study evaluating the psychometric qualities of the rating scale FSS has been conducted at Policlinico San Felice in Rome from 1 June to 10 July 2023 on a group of 58 patients suffering from Long Covid. The inclusion criteria were: admission to a post-Covid-19 respiratory rehabilitation program; age at least 18 years; ability to communicate; signing informed consent. The FSS was administered twice for test-retest reliability; internal consistency was determined through Cronbach's Alpha. To evaluate construct validity, the SF-12, ADL and IADL were used.
RESULTS
A Cronbach's Alpha of 0.92 was obtained; the ICC was 0.97. The results regarding construct validity show that there is a statistically significant correlation between Physical Health and fatigue.
CONCLUSIONS
FSS is a valid and reliable tool for the evaluation of fatigue in patients with Long Covid. The assessment of fatigue through FSS is fundamental in patients with Long Covid as it would allow to perform appropriate decisions to improve the clinical conditions of patients and their quality of life (QoL).
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