Few studies explore persistent building-related symptoms in a residential context. Additionally, a growing body of literature suggests symptoms related to indoor building dampness and mould (D/M) may present as a broader set of symptoms than previously thought. In this study, we performed deductive and inductive qualitative content analysis, using a Long COVID-19 symptom category framework, to analyse first person responses to open-ended symptom questions from an online survey. This study describes 154 residential occupants’ self-reported symptomatic experiences, at the onset of symptoms perceived to be related to living with indoor D/M. The majority of occupants experienced 3 or more D/M indicators and reported multiple concurrent symptoms that came on gradually and persisted for 1 year or more, significantly impacting quality of life. Neuropsychiatric symptoms, led by brain fog, headaches, sleep issues and memory loss, were the most prevalent symptom category, however new categories emerged for hypersensitivities, increased occurrence of infections and asthma-related symptoms. Occupants with short-term (1–30 days) and long-term (2 years or more) experience of living with D/M conditions reported long-lasting symptoms. In conclusion, in providing deeper insights into the symptomatic experiences of occupants, this study highlights the need for a framework that encompasses the breadth of symptoms and their system categories. It also provides a nuanced understanding of the characteristics of symptom onset and prevalence.

中文翻译：

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澳大利亚居住者因居住在潮湿的住房条件而导致的长期建筑相关症状的发作特征和广度：定性见解

很少有研究探讨住宅环境中持续存在的与建筑相关的症状。此外，越来越多的文献表明，与室内建筑潮湿和霉菌 (D/M) 相关的症状可能比以前想象的更广泛。在本研究中，我们使用长 COVID-19 症状类别框架进行演绎和归纳定性内容分析，以分析在线调查中对开放式症状问题的第一人称反应。这项研究描述了 154 名居住者在症状出现时自我报告的症状经历，这些症状被认为与室内 D/M 生活有关。大多数居住者经历了 3 种或更多 D/M 指标，并报告了多种并发症状，这些症状逐渐出现并持续 1 年或更长时间，显着影响生活质量。以脑雾、头痛、睡眠问题和记忆丧失为首的神经精神症状是最常见的症状类别，但出现了超敏反应、感染发生率增加和哮喘相关症状等新类别。短期（1-30 天）和长期（2 年或以上）生活在 D/M 条件下的居住者报告了长期持续的症状。总之，为了更深入地了解居住者的症状体验，本研究强调需要一个涵盖症状广度及其系统类别的框架。它还提供了对症状发作和患病率特征的细致了解。