Perspectives of COVID-19 survivors in Kyrgyzstan on how best to support their recovery following infection

Aim. After the acute period of COVID-19 infection, many COVID-19 survivors continue to have ongoing symptoms. There is a need to render assistance to such COVID-19 survivors in Kyrgyzstan but it is unclear what this support should look like. We examined the persisting post-COVID symptoms, views on the optimal timing, delivery methods and content of a support package, and obstacles to implementation.Methods. A cross-sectional electronic survey study was conducted among people who have had COVID-19. COVID-19 survivors were recruited from family medicine centers, using the database of COVID-19 survivors who received an online consultation with a pulmonologist, and COVID-19 survivors who attended the outpatient clinic of the NCCIM in Bishkek.Results. 132 were invited to participate, of whom 111 completed the full survey (68% female). The most common symptoms experienced by COVID-19 survivors were dizziness or fatigue (67%), loss of physical strength (51%), anosmia (51%), cough (43%), anxiety (38%) and shortness of breath (37%). According to COVID-19 survivors, post-COVID support should begin whilst managing COVID-19 at home or in the community (65%) or immediately after returning from the hospital (48%). COVID-19 survivors reported they would devote 30 minutes/day of their time (50%) with a frequency of 2-3 days a week (44%). Participants identified the Internet (43%) and separate smartphone applications (42%) as the best media via which to receive support at home. The greatest barrier to accepting help was the risk of re-infection (43%).Conclusions. Survivors of COVID-19 were receptive to receiving support for their ongoing symptoms and our results will be used to develop the design and delivery of suitable post-COVID support interventions for people living in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia. Implementation Science/Service Development Research Ideas on Respiratory Conditions and Tobacco Dependency Abstract Declaration of Interest This research was funded by the University of Leicester IRDF ODA (M631PC27) and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) (17/63/20) using UK aid from the UK Government to support global health research. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the UK Department of Health and Social Care. References and Clinical Trial Registry Information None