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Memory, Attention, and Concentration Dysfunction Post-COVID-19 Among College Students in Saudi Arabia: A Case-Control
Zainah A Al-Qahtani1, Imtinan Al Jabbar2, Wajd Alhadi2
1Department of Internal Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, SAU.
Cureus
|April 24, 2023
Summary
COVID-19 survivors among Saudi college students reported significant cognitive impairment and fatigue. This neurocognitive dysfunction negatively impacted their academic performance, even without comorbidities.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
- Higher Education
Background:
- COVID-19 is increasingly recognized for its multi-systemic effects, including neurocognitive impairment, especially when neurological symptoms are present.
- Understanding the long-term cognitive consequences of COVID-19 in young adults is crucial for academic support and public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and nature of cognitive dysfunction in college students in Saudi Arabia following COVID-19 infection.
- To assess the potential impact of post-COVID-19 cognitive deficits on the academic performance of these students.
Main Methods:
- A population-based, observational case-control study was conducted in Saudi Arabia from May to September 2022.
- A total of 2,150 college students (18-28 years old) completed questionnaires; 776 had COVID-19 (group 1) and 1,374 did not (group 2).
- Cognitive function, fatigue, personality traits (Big Five Inventory), grit, and academic performance (GPA) were assessed using standardized tools.
Main Results:
- COVID-19 survivors reported significantly higher levels of neurological fatigue and altered personality traits (Big Five Inventory) compared to non-infected students.
- Neurological fatigue, cognitive failure, and depression/anxiety scores were negatively correlated with GPA among infected students.
- Higher GPA in infected students showed a positive relationship with the Big Five Inventory and Short Grit Scale, indicating resilience factors.
Conclusions:
- College students who recovered from COVID-19 frequently experience cognitive impairment and fatigue, irrespective of comorbidities or psychological disorders.
- These cognitive deficits can negatively affect academic performance, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and support for student recovery.
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