Aims and ObjectivesIn this study, we aimed to characterize the impact of long COVID on quality of life and approaches to symptom management among Black American adults.BackgroundAs a novel condition, qualitative evidence concerning long COVID symptoms and their impact on quality of life can inform the refinement of diagnostic criteria and care plans. However, the underrepresentation of Black Americans in long COVID research is a barrier to achieving equitable care for all long COVID patients.DesignWe employed an interpretive description study design.MethodsWe recruited a convenience sample of 15 Black American adults with long COVID. We analysed the anonymized transcripts from race‐concordant, semi‐structured interviews using an inductive, thematic analysis approach. We followed the SRQR reporting guidelines.ResultsWe identified four themes: (1) The impact of long COVID symptoms on personal identity and pre‐existing conditions; (2) Self‐management strategies for long COVID symptoms; (3) Social determinants of health and symptom management; and (4) Effects on interpersonal relationships.ConclusionFindings demonstrate the comprehensive ramifications of long COVID on the lives of Black American adults. Results also articulate how pre‐existing conditions, social risk factors, distrust due to systemic racism, and the nature of interpersonal relationships can complicate symptom management.Relevance to Clinical PracticeCare approaches that support access to and implementation of integrative therapies may be best suited to meet the needs of long COVID patients. Clinicians should also prioritize eliminating patient exposure to discrimination, implicit bias, and microaggressions. This is of particular concern for long COVID patients who have symptoms that are difficult to objectively quantify, such as pain and fatigue.No Patient or Public ContributionWhile patient perspectives and experiences were the focus of this study, patients were not involved with the design or conduct of the study, data analysis or interpretation, or writing the manuscript.

Background Long coronavirus disease (COVID) is an emerging condition that could considerably burden healthcare systems. Prior qualitative studies characterize the experience of having long COVID, which is valuable for informing care strategies. However, evidence comes from predominantly White samples. This is a concern because underrepresentation of Black patients in research and intervention development contribute to racial inequities. Objective To facilitate racial equity in long COVID care, the purpose of this qualitative study was to inform the development of care strategies that are responsive to the experiences and perspectives of Black patients with long COVID in the United States of America. Methods Using convenience sampling, we conducted race-concordant, semi-structured, and open-ended interviews with Black adults (80% female, mean age = 39) who had long COVID. We transcribed and anonymized the recorded interviews. We analyzed the transcripts using inductive, thematic analysis. Theme development focused on who can help or hinder strategies for reducing health inequities, what should be done to change care policies or treatment strategies, and when are the critical timepoints for intervention. Results We developed four main themes. Participants reported challenges before and after COVID testing. Many participants contacted primary care physicians as a first step for long COVID treatment. However, not all respondents had positive experiences and at times felt dismissed. Without a qualifying diagnosis, participants could not obtain disability benefits, which negatively influenced their employment and increased financial hardship. Conclusions There are possible targets for improving long COVID care, from COVID testing through to long-term treatment plans. There is a need to increase long COVID awareness among physicians. Diagnosis and a standardized treatment plan could help patients avoid unnecessary healthcare utilization and obtain comprehensive support.

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