Health-Related Behavioral Patterns in Patients with Post-COVID-19 Condition | Ukrainian Medical Journal

Aim: to analyze the prevalence of adaptive and maladaptive health-related behavioral patterns in patients with post-COVID-19 condition and their associations with levels of anxiety, depression, and quality of life. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 142 patients with post-COVID-19 condition verified according to WHO criteria (symptom duration exceeding 12 weeks). Behavioral patterns were assessed using the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II); depression was screened using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9); anxiety was evaluated using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale; and quality of life was measured using the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36). Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation analysis, and multiple logistic regression. Results. Maladaptive behavioral patterns were identified in 58% of individuals (n=82), and adaptive patterns in 42% (n=60). Elevated anxiety (GAD-7 score of 10 or higher) was detected in 64% of patients, and depression (PHQ-9 score of 10 or higher) in 58%. Maladaptive behavior was positively associated with anxiety (rs=0.642; p<0.001) and depression (rs=0.598; p<0.001), and negatively associated with quality of life (SF-36 PCS: rs=–0.536; MCS: rs=–0.621; p<0.001). Regression analysis demonstrated that maladaptive behavior was associated with depression (OR=3.24; 95% CI 1.87–5.62), anxiety (OR=2.87; 95% CI 1.52–5.18), female sex (OR=2.16; 95% CI 1.14–4.09), and symptom duration (OR=1.12 per three-month increment; 95% CI 1.03–1.21). Furthermore, among the HPLP-II subscales, the lowest scores were recorded for physical activity, stress management, and health responsibility, which collectively determined the overall maladaptive behavioral profile. Conclusions. Maladaptive health-related behavioral patterns are prevalent among patients with post-COVID-19 condition and are associated with poorer mental health outcomes and reduced quality of life. Accordingly, behavioral patterns should be incorporated into screening protocols and rehabilitation programs. The findings support the application of multidisciplinary rehabilitation approaches aimed at modifying behavioral patterns with consideration of patients’ psychoemotional status. Future research should focus on examining the dynamics of these changes within longitudinal observation frameworks.

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