Assessing Functional Cognition and Health During COVID-19 Pandemic: Gender Differences Among Community-Dwelling Adults

Abstract

Introduction/objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has long-term implications for adult health and function, whether or not people were infected with the disease. Although cognitive disruptions are among the major symptoms of COVID-19, most research focused on managing medical symptoms, such as respiratory symptoms or pain. Thus, less is known about the pandemic's long-term implications for assessing functional cognition. This study aimed to examine COVID-19's effects on community-dwelling adults' functional cognition and health, comparing gender differences.

Methods: This cross-sectional study divided 118 community-dwelling adults (25 previously infected with COVID-19) into gender groups. Primary outcome measures included the Daily Living Questionnaire (DLQ) and short form health status survey, SF-12.

Results: No significant differences were found in functional cognition or health between participants who had contracted COVID-19 and those who remained healthy, but men had better functional cognition and health measures in comparison with women.

Conclusions: Gender differences in functional cognition and health state may relate to gender-based family roles. It is essential to assess functional cognition of young adults who were exposed to a pandemic, such as COVID-19, because it may significantly affect their health and functional status. The DLQ is a reliable, valid assessment of functional cognition that may suit individuals who previously contracted COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19; Daily Living Questionnaire; SF-12; functional cognition; gender.

Figure 1.

COVID-19 assessment based on the international classification of functioning, disability, and health.