Supplementary Material for: Exploring perceived social support in Spanish patients with Long COVID through online discussion forums: A qualitative analysis.

Introduction: Long COVID syndrome has significant psychological impacts, compounded by feelings of insufficient support. This study aims to analyze individuals' experiences with Long COVID regarding their perceived social support through a qualitative analysis of online discussion forums. Methods: A qualitative substudy was conducted as part of a randomized clinical trial (RCT) evaluating the effectiveness of an online group rehabilitation program. A total of 330 posts from the program’s discussion forums were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis, with data processed via NVivo11 software. Results: Three main themes emerged related to different types of social support: formal, informal, and peer support. Concerning formal support, patients reported insufficient empathy and support from medical professionals, perceiving themselves as neglected. Regarding informal support, many experienced isolation and social judgment from family and friends, who lacked understanding of their condition. In contrast, they deeply appreciated the support and empathy shared with others experiencing similar struggles (peer support), which fostered a sense of collective resilience in their recovery. Discussion and conclusion: The study underscores the need for improved support strategies, both through enhanced healthcare assistance and strengthened personal and peer-based networks for Long COVID patients.