Objective:

To assess the real-world impact of Pediatric Long COVID on functional independence and emotional functioning.

Approach:

• Study Design: A cross-sectional exploratory study involving 27 children and adolescents meeting WHO criteria for Long COVID.
• Assessment Tools: Functional independence was measured using the WeeFIM, while emotional functioning was assessed with the SDQ.
• Contextual Variables: Data on school attendance, grade repetition, and withdrawal from recreational activities were collected.

Key Findings:

• High symptom burden reported: fatigue (81.5%), difficulty concentrating (63.0%), malaise (55.6%).
• 88.9% experienced symptoms for over 24 months.
• WeeFIM scores were near-ceiling across all domains (total: 114.56 ± 20.71/126).
• Only 18.5% attended school regularly, 11.1% had repeated an academic year, and 85.2% withdrew from activities.
• SDQ total scores were within the normal range (12.07 ± 5.04), but emotional symptoms were slightly elevated (5.59 ± 2.34).
• A significant negative correlation was found between SDQ total score and WeeFIM cognition (rho = −0.570, p = 0.0019).

Interpretation:

Children and adolescents with Long COVID face significant symptom burden and emotional difficulties.

Limitations:

• Preliminary findings from a convenience sample.
• Results should be interpreted with caution regarding generalizability.

Conclusion:

The study highlights the need for more comprehensive, context-sensitive assessment approaches in pediatric Long COVID practice.