An interpretative phenomenological analysis study of perceptions around factors relating to coping amongst young people with Long Covid and mental health difficulties in the UK

The nature and causes of neuropsychiatric symptoms in children and young people (CYP) with Long Covid are debated in current research. This study explored CYP perceptions of their mental health difficulties in association with Long Covid diagnoses. Nine CYP were interviewed, asking about their experiences of Long Covid and mental health. Data was analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. There were two principal findings in this research. (1) Participants related their mental health difficulties to difficulties associated with having Long Covid and wider system pressures. (2) Participants spoke about the impact of stigma in healthcare services delaying access to specialist medical professionals. Findings suggest that healthcare services need to be better informed, and to reduce barriers to access healthcare services. These measures would reduce the pressure on families to fight for services.