Post-COVID-19 symptoms in a community sample: Exploratory study in two Chilean cities, 2023-2024

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• SARS-CoV-2 infection poses ongoing health and economic challenges due to persistent symptoms.
• Understanding the frequency and risk factors of post-COVID-19 conditions is crucial for public health.
• This study addresses the need for data on long-term health impacts of COVID-19 in Chile.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the prevalence of symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• To characterize symptoms indicative of post-COVID-19 conditions.
• To identify risk factors associated with persistent symptoms in a Chilean population.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional exploratory study utilizing a convenience sample from a prior seroprevalence study in Chile.
• Participants (n=83) self-reported persistent symptoms using the modified Yorkshire Rehabilitation Scale.
• Bivariate analysis and Negative binomial regression models were employed to assess symptom severity and associated factors.

Main Results:

• 80.7% of participants reported symptoms consistent with post-COVID-19 conditions.
• Most common symptoms included sleep disturbances (59.7%), anxiety (59.7%), and memory problems (58.2%).
• Symptom severity was higher in women, individuals with multiple COVID-19 episodes, and those with comorbidities; multiple episodes were a significant predictor.

Conclusions:

• A high burden of post-COVID-19 symptoms exists within the studied population.
• Formal diagnosis and access to care through Chile's universal post-COVID program were notably low.
• Strengthening diagnostic and management protocols for post-COVID-19 conditions in Chile is urgently needed.