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Australian Journal of Primary Health Australian Journal of Primary Health Society
The issues influencing community health services and primary health care
RESEARCH ARTICLE (Open Access)

Impacts of long COVID on disability, function and quality of life for adults living in Australia

Danielle Hitch A B C * , Tanita Botha C D , Fisaha Tesfay C E , Sara Holton F G , Catherine M. Said https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8773-9750 H I J , Martin Hensher K , Kieva Richards https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0904-2031 A , Mary Rose Angeles C L , Catherine M. Bennett C , Genevieve Pepin A , Bodil Rasmussen F G M N Kelli Nicola-Richmond O
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Occupational Science and Therapy, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Waterfront Campus, Geelong, Vic 3217, Australia.

B Occupational Therapy, Sunshine Hospital, Western Health, 176 Furlong Road, St. Albans, Vic 3021, Australia.

C Institute of Health Transformation, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Vic 3216, Australia.

D Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Waterfront Campus, Geelong, Vic 3217, Australia.

E College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia.

F School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Vic 3220, Australia.

G Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Institute of Health Transformation, Western Health Partnership, Deakin University, St. Albans, Vic 3021, Australia.

H Physiotherapy, Melbourne School of Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic 3052, Australia.

I Physiotherapy, Sunshine Hospital, Western Health, 176 Furlong Road, St. Albans, Vic 3021, Australia.

J Australian Institute of Musculoskeletal Sciences, 176 Furlong Road, St. Albans, Vic 3021, Australia.

K Menzies Institute for Medical Research, Hobart CBD Campus, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tas 7000, Australia.

L Health Economics, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood Campus, Burwood, Vic 3125, Australia.

M Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.

N Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark.

O School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Waterfront Campus, Geelong Vic 3217, Australia.

* Correspondence to: dani.hitch@deakin.edu.au

Australian Journal of Primary Health 31, PY25033 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY25033
Submitted: 24 February 2025  Accepted: 30 July 2025  Published: 25 August 2025

© 2025 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of La Trobe University. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND)

Abstract

Background

To describe the impact of long COVID on disability, function and quality of life among adults living in Australia.

Method

People aged >18 years with a history of COVID-19 infection confirmed by polymerase chain reaction or rapid antigen test were eligible for this cross-sectional survey. The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 measured disability and function, and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey assessed quality of life.

Results

Participants (n = 121) reported significant functional impairment and reduced quality of life compared with established population norms for these outcome measures. Most (n = 104, 86%) reported clinically significant disability and participation limitations in daily activities. Mean World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 scores indicated higher levels of disability than 98% of the general population. The 36-Item Short Form Health Survey scores indicated lower quality of life across all domains, but particularly in relation to vitality and social functioning. Regression analysis found significant associations between the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey scores, and vaccine dose number, comorbidities and self-rated recovery.

Conclusion

Long COVID is associated with significantly reduced function and quality of life, which are distinct outcomes requiring targeted assessment and intervention. The overall impact may be exacerbated in people with pre-existing comorbidities who are more susceptible to long COVID in the first place. The findings underscore the need for targeted rehabilitation and support services for people living in Australia with long COVID, and further longitudinal research to explore the long-term impact on disability and quality of life, and inform policy and healthcare service delivery.

Keywords: disability, function, long COVID, post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, quality of life, rehabilitation, SF-36, WHODAS 2.0.

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