POST-COVID SYNDROME - A Psychosomatic Burden for the Rima Oris. An Original Research

Area of Science:

• Medical Research
• Public Health
• Psychosomatic Medicine

Background:

• Long COVID syndrome (LCS) is a recognized clinical entity following SARS-CoV-2 infection, with symptoms persisting over three weeks.
• The incidence of LCS ranges from 10% to 35% of infected individuals.
• There is a recognized gap in understanding the psychosomatic disorders of the oral cavity associated with LCS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the association between Long COVID syndrome and oral psychosomatic disorders.
• To identify patients experiencing long-COVID symptoms and their psychosocial impact.
• To conduct a comparative analysis of these effects between males and females.

Main Methods:

• A Pan-India survey was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed via a digital platform.
• Data collection involved a four-phase record system.
• Statistical analysis, including Chi-square tests for gender comparisons, was performed.

Main Results:

• Females reported higher levels of mental and psychological distress.
• Males were more frequently affected by oro-pharyngeal problems.
• A majority of participants indicated they had not fully recovered post-SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Conclusions:

• Long COVID syndrome is a multisystem disorder with under-researched links between oral lesions and psychosomatic issues.
• Oral specialists can play a role in diagnosing LCS patients and guiding lifestyle modifications.
• Further research is needed for a standardized classification and multidisciplinary therapeutic approach for LCS.