What changed after two years of COVID-19: the PAMPA Cohort update profile and methodology

The PAMPA Cohort aimed to evaluate the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical and mental health outcomes of adults. We present data from the fourth wave of the PAMPA Cohort, the updated cohort profile and methodology. The PAMPA Cohort is a prospective study initially designed to have three data collection waves (June 2020, December 2020, and June 2021). With the pandemic progression, three new waves were programmed in addition to the previous waves: 2022. 2023, and 2024. Participants answered about physical activity, mental health, low back pain, healthcare access, and COVID-19, among others. Overall, 2,691 participants answered the wave four. Physical activity levels increased, and symptoms of anxiety and depression were reduced compared to the first assessment. However, a high proportion of chronic diseases was observed, and one-third of participants experienced some degree of food insecurity. Additionally, three-quarters were classified as having long COVID. The indirect effects of the pandemic on both physical and mental health persist in the lives of individuals.