TY  - JOUR
AU  - Glover, Nicole Audrey
AU  - Sathar, Farzana
AU  - Mokome, Pride
AU  - Mathabela, Nkululeko
AU  - Taleni, Sipokazi
AU  - van Blydenstein, Sarah Alexandra
AU  - Mekota, Anna-Maria
AU  - Charalambous, Salome
AU  - Rachow, Andrea
AU  - Ivanova, Olena
PY  - 2025
DA  - 2025/4/10
TI  - Improving Health and Well-Being of People With Post–COVID-19 Consequences in South Africa: Situation Analysis and Pilot Intervention Design
JO  - JMIR Form Res
SP  - e58436
VL  - 9
KW  - post–COVID-19
KW  - rehabilitation
KW  - support
KW  - quality of life
KW  - group care
KW  - well-being
KW  - South Africa
KW  - COVID-19
KW  - situation analysis
KW  - pilot
KW  - intervention
KW  - context-adapted
KW  - physical health
KW  - mental health
KW  - cross-sectional
KW  - mixed method
KW  - questionnaire
KW  - in-depth
KW  - interviews
KW  - survey
KW  - focus group
KW  - quantitative
KW  - qualitative
KW  - support group
KW  - hospital
KW  - patients
KW  - health care workers
KW  - health worker
AB  - Background: Multisystemic complications post–COVID-19 infection are increasingly described in the literature, yet guidance on the management remains limited. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the needs, preferences, challenges, and existing interventions for individuals with post–COVID-19 symptoms. Based on this, we aimed to develop a context-adapted intervention to improve the overall health and well-being of individuals with post–COVID-19 complications. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional mixed-methods situation analysis assessing the needs, preferences, challenges, and existing interventions for patients with post–COVID-19 symptoms. We collected data through questionnaires, semistructured in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs) from individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 within the previous 18-month period and health care providers who managed patients with COVID-19 in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Quantitative data were summarized using descriptive statistics, qualitative data were transcribed, and deductive analysis focused on suggestions for future interventions. Findings guided the development of a group intervention. Results: We conducted 60 questionnaires, 13 interviews, and 3 FGDs. Questionnaires showed limited knowledge of post–COVID-19 complications at 26.7% (16/60). Of those who received any rehabilitation for COVID-19 (19/60, 31.7%), 94.7% (18/19) found it helpful for their recovery. Just over half (23/41, 56%) of those who did not receive rehabilitation reported that they would have liked to. The majority viewed rehabilitation as an important adjunct to post–COVID-19 care (56/60, 93.3%) and that support groups would be helpful (53/60, 88.3%). Qualitative results highlighted the need for mental health support, structured post–COVID-19 follow-up, and financial aid in post–COVID-19 care. Based on the insights from the situation analysis, the theory of change framework, and existing post–COVID-19 evidence, we designed and conducted a pilot support group and rehabilitation intervention for individuals with post–COVID-19 complications. Our main objective was to assess the change in physical and psychological well-being pre- and postintervention. The intervention included 8 weekly themed group sessions supplemented by home tasks. Effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated by questionnaires pre- and postintervention on post–COVID-19 symptoms, quality of life with the EuroQoL 5-Dimension 5-Level, short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, and physical function by spirometry and 1-minute sit-to-stand test. We also assessed the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention by questionnaires and semistructured in-depth interviews. The intervention outcome analysis is yet to be conducted. Conclusions: Insights from patients and health care providers on the characteristics of post–COVID-19 complications helped guide the development of a context-adapted intervention program with potential to improve health and well-being post–COVID-19. 
SN  - 2561-326X
UR  - https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e58436
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2196/58436
DO  - 10.2196/58436
ID  - info:doi/10.2196/58436
ER  -