Self-Reported Long COVID and Its Impact on COVID-19-Related Worries and Behaviors After Lifting the COVID-19 Restrictions in China.
Ziying Yang1, Yihan Tang1, Lingyu Kong1
1Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, No.74, Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou 510080, China.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 13, 2025
View abstract on PubMed
Summary
Long COVID affects 18% of Chinese adults post-restriction lifting, increasing COVID-19 worries. Targeted interventions are needed to support mental health and preventive behaviors in long COVID patients.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in China in November 2022, a significant increase in COVID-19 infections was observed.
- Limited data exists on the prevalence of long COVID and its psychological impact among the general adult population post-policy change.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of long COVID in Chinese adults after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.
- To investigate the association between long COVID, COVID-19-related worries, and preventive behaviors.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1530 adults previously infected with COVID-19 in Guangzhou.
- Logistic regression and trend analyses were employed to examine the relationships between long COVID, worries, and behaviors.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of long COVID was estimated at 18.0% (95% CI: 16.1%–20.0%), with common symptoms including cough, fatigue, and dyspnea.
- Individuals with long COVID reported significantly higher COVID-19-related worries (AORs 1.87–2.55, p < 0.001) concerning reinfection, pandemic impact, and healthcare capacity.
- Long COVID did not significantly influence participants' preventive behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Long COVID is prevalent in China's adult population post-restriction lifting and significantly elevates COVID-19-related anxieties.
- Monitoring the mental health of long COVID patients and implementing targeted interventions are crucial for enhancing adherence to preventive measures.
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