Longitudinal Changes in Physical Function and Their Impact on Health Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is correlated with a variety of long-term sequelae that affect different aspects of health, including physical function. This study investigated the longitudinal changes in handgrip strength (HGS) over six months post-hospital discharge in COVID-19 patients and explores the associations between HGS, health-related quality of life, dyspnoea, exercise capacity, and body mass index (BMI). METHODS: Adult COVID-19 patients were followed up at one, three, and six months after hospital discharge. HGS, BMI, exercise capacity, and health-related quality of life were assessed. Data from patients with HGS measurements at all three time points were analysed. RESULTS: Low HGS was prevalent one month post-discharge (35%). Participants with low HGS exhibited more severe disease (30.5% vs. 5.9% were admitted to the intensive care unit, p < 0.01), longer hospital stays (median [IQR] 21 [10.0; 40.5] vs. 12.0 [8.0; 20.0] days, p < 0.01), greater weight loss (-5.7 [-9.1; -0.6] vs. -3.2 [-5.7; -0.0] kg, p = 0.004), and reduced exercise capacity (6 min walking test [6 MWT], 95.7 [84.0; 102.0] vs. 100.0 [92.9; 105.0]% predicted, p = 0.007). Those with persistently low HGS (40% of the initial low HGS group) had worse exercise capacity (6-MWT 93.3 [78.3; 101.0] vs. 101.0 [95.0; 107.0]% predicted, p < 0.001), more dyspnoea (29.0% vs. 2.0% of participants, p < 0.001), poorer quality of life (visual analogue scale score, 75 [50; 75] vs. 85 [75; 95], p < 0.001), and higher rates of problems in various health dimensions. HGS at 1 month was the only significant predictor of HGS improvement from 1 month to 6 months (odds ratio [95% CI] 1.11 [1.03; 1.20], p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the prevalence of reduced physical function among COVID-19 survivors and emphasises the importance of early identification and intervention to optimise their long-term health. Monitoring HGS, a simple and reliable tool, can provide valuable insights into patients' overall physical function, aiding in tailored care and improved outcomes.

Pap Testing in a High-Income Country with Suboptimal Compliance Levels: A Survey on Acceptance Factors among Sicilian Women.

Cervical cancer screening is uncommon, especially in low-income countries and among lower socioeconomic status people in high-income countries. The aims of this study were to examine the adherence of Sicilian women to Pap testing and to identify the determinants of this in a population with a secondary prevention attitude lower than high-income countries and the national average. A cross-sectional study called "Save Eva in Sicily" was conducted among all women aged 25⁻64 years, with a sample drawn by the list of general practitioners (GPs), using a proportional sampling scheme, stratified by age and resident population. The study outcome was performing a Pap test within the past three years. The association between the outcome and Pap test determinants was analyzed through a multivariable logistic regression. Among the 365 interviewed women, 66% (n = 243) had a Pap test during the last 3 years. On the other hand, 18% of the other women (n = 66) had performed at least one Pap test previously and 16% (n = 56) had never had a Pap test. In a multivariable model, GPs' advice (adjusted OR 2.55; 95% CI 1.57⁻4.14) and perceived susceptibility (adjusted OR 3.24; 95% CI 1.92⁻5.48) increased the likelihood of the execution of a Pap test. The "Save Eva in Sicily" study identified GP advice and perceived cancer severity as the main correlates of Pap testing among Sicilian women, producing evidence regarding how policy makers can increase compliance. Interventions to increase Pap test adhesion should focus on stimulating GPs to identify patients who regularly do not undergo it and to recommend testing on a regular basis to their patients.