[Brain Fog: A Concept Analysis]

Hu Li Za Zhi. 2024 Apr;71(2):90-96. doi: 10.6224/JN.202404_71(2).11.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

Brain fog is a symptom that has gained increasing attention worldwide since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, as patients affected by COVID-19 may experience cognitive dysfunction, colloquially known as brain fog, for a period of time after recovery. Brain fog affects activities of daily living and work performance and has the potential to negatively impact society and the economy. However, a clear definition and concept analysis of brain fog is lacking in the literature. In this article, a concept analysis of brain fog is conducted using Walker and Avant's concept analysis steps to verify the source and definition of brain fog, clarify related concepts similar to brain fog, and establish the defining attributes, antecedents, and consequences of this condition. Model, borderline, contrary, and related cases are listed to illustrate and provide related empirical references in the literature. The authors hope this article will provide a clearer understanding of brain fog, which then may be applied in nursing clinical practice and future research to develop strategies and care methods for improving brain fog symptoms.

Title: 腦霧之概念分析.

腦霧為新冠肺炎疫情全球爆發後逐漸備受關注的國際健康議題,感染新冠肺炎病人在康復後可能仍存有認知功能受損症狀並持續一段時間,對其個人日常生活功能及工作表現造成影響,甚至可能對整個社會經濟造成負面衝擊。目前國內外文獻對於腦霧無明確定義及系統性概念分析,易與腦霧相似的概念或診斷混淆。本文根據Walker及Avant的概念分析步驟進行腦霧的概念分析,藉以查證此概念的來源及定義,澄清與腦霧相似的相關概念,並訂定其定義性特徵,列舉典型、邊緣、相反及相關案例以說明,確立其概念的前置因子與後果,並呈現文獻相關實證資料。期許透過本概念分析,對腦霧有進一步明確的認知,並運用於臨床護理及未來研究領域上,發展腦霧症狀的改善策略及照護方式。.

Keywords: COVID-19; brain fog; cognitive function.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living*
  • Cognitive Dysfunction*
  • Concept Formation
  • Humans
  • Mental Fatigue
  • Pandemics