JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Controversial information about the sequelae of COVID-19 after recovery or post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS). Whereas considerable studies have been done on COVID-19, proportionally, scarcity of literature addressing the PCS, particularly the risk factors causing this syndrome. Determining the prevalence, most common manifestations of PCS, and the possible related risk factors is an important issue.

Objective:

the current study, try to fulfil these gaps. Hence, the aim of this study was to detect the prevalence and the risk factors for the development of the post COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) as well to identify the symptoms and their relation to the socio-demographic and medical characteristics of patients who survived COVID-19 after more than three months from onset of illness in all over Jordan

Methods:

A cross-sectional, online questionnaire-based study was conducted. This questionnaire was posted to the Association of "My experience with COVID-19" in Jordan. Socio-demographic, as well as COVID 19 illness information was collected, from 657 COVID-19 recovered patients at least three months after illness started.

Results:

PCS prevalence was 71.8%, where the patient experienced, at least one PCS symptom. Most common symptoms including dyspnea, fatigue, taste and smell impairment, cough, and depression. Six factors were found to be significantly increasing the risk of PCS (using OR, 95% CI); female (2.06, 1.409-2.856), aging ≥30 (1.64, 1.16-2.33), DM (2.978, 1.08-8.21) hypertension, (2.22, 1.118-4.423), respiratory disease (2.33, 1.21-4.501), and neuro-psychological disturbance during illness (3.79, 2.574-5.573). Those patients showed also a significantly higher rate of post-COVID-19 syndrome than their counter groups. Therefore, females, aging ≥30, comorbidity, and neuropsychological disturbance during illness, are considered as a risk group for PCS

Conclusions:

The PCS prevalence] is high in Jordan. Particularly among certain populations like females, age ≥30 years, having neuropsychological disturbance during illness and comorbidity; DM, hypertension, and respiratory diseases. Those, who showed significantly higher risk factors for the development of PCS manifestation. In other words, those populations should be considered as a risk group for the PCS occurrence. Therefore, the COVID-19 infection treatment is not only during the episode but has to continue several months after the recovery of the patient. Besides that, the PCS period will require not only scientific study and investigation but also needs early interventions including rehabilitation. Therefore, now we have to start steps in preparing for this unavoidable problem to improve the health care system and enhance the management of patients during the PCS period.