Factors Associated with Self-Reported Post/Long-COVID-A Real-World Data Study

Area of Science:

• Medical Research
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Post/Long-COVID (PLC) is linked to reduced health-related quality of life.
• Risk factors contributing to PLC remain poorly understood.
• Identifying predictors is crucial for patient management and public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate factors associated with the development of Post/Long-COVID (PLC).
• To analyze real-world data from a national online survey to identify PLC risk factors.
• To evaluate the predictive value of specific symptoms for PLC development.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, real-world data study utilizing a national online survey.
• Inclusion of 99 registered individuals reporting PLC symptoms.
• Adjusted multivariable regression analyses performed using R software.

Main Results:

• 13% of individuals with prior COVID-19 reported subsequent PLC.
• COVID-19-associated anxiety, hyposmia, and heart palpitations significantly increased PLC odds (ORs 8.28, 4.74, 2.62 respectively).
• Pre-existing COVID-19 fatigue strongly predicted PLC fatigue (OR 6.52). Hyposmia identified as a novel independent predictor.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19-associated anxiety, hyposmia, heart palpitations, and fatigue are significant determinants for developing PLC.
• Hyposmia is a newly identified independent predictive factor for PLC.
• Close monitoring of patients with COVID-19-induced fatigue, heart palpitations, and anxiety is recommended due to their predictive potential for PLC.