Plain language summary
The spectrum of clinical presentation of COVID-19 ranges from the asymptomatic, to symptomatic with varying levels of severity depending on age, comorbid conditions, and basal metabolic index. The aim of this study was to highlight associations between socio-demographic characteristics and comorbidities with persistent symptoms in COVID-19 survivors. This study is a retrospective study using de-identified data of 274 COVID-19 survivors. A thorough clinical history and physical assessment was conducted for all patients. Results indicate that: - the most common symptom manifested by survivors was easy fatigability. - neurologic symptoms were found in 39.1% of the COVID-19 survivors. Symptoms included headaches, insomnia, and attention deficits. - there was no significant association between demographic factors and comorbidities such as hypertension or diabetes and the presence of persistent symptoms in COVID-19 survivors. Authors conclude these findings, together with evidence from other studies, can guide policies and interventions aimed at improving the quality of life of survivors and return to usual health.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease once thought to be a respiratory infection is now recognised as a multi-system disease affecting the respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurological, immune, and hematopoietic systems. An emerging body of evidence suggests the persistence of COVID-19 symptoms of varying patterns among some survivors. This study aimed to describe persistent symptoms in COVID-19 survivors and investigate possible risk factors for these persistent symptoms. METHODS The study used a retrospective study design. The study population comprised of discharged COVID-19 patients. Demographic information, days since discharge, comorbidities, and persistent COVID-19 like symptoms were assessed in patients attending the COVID-19 outpatient clinic in Lagos State. Statistical analysis was done using STATA 15.0 software (StataCorp Texas) with significance placed at p-value < 0.05. RESULTS A total of 274 patients were enrolled in the study. A majority were within the age group > 35 to ≤49 years (38.3%), and male (66.1%). More than one-third (40.9%) had persistent COVID-19 symptoms after discharge, and 19.7% had more than three persistent COVID-like symptoms. The most persistent COVID-like symptoms experienced were easy fatigability (12.8%), headaches (12.8%), and chest pain (9.8%). Symptomatic COVID-19 disease with moderate severity compared to mild severity was a predictor of persistent COVID-like symptoms after discharge (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Findings from this study suggests that patients who recovered from COVID-19 disease may still experience COVID-19 like symptoms, particularly fatigue and headaches. Therefore, careful monitoring should be in place after discharge to help mitigate the effects of these symptoms and improve the quality of life of COVID-19 survivors.
Methodological quality
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