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

SARS-CoV-2 infection affects health, well-being, and the economy, especially considering the persistence of symptoms following an acute episode. This study aims to (1) estimate the frequency of symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infections, (2) characterize symptoms compatible with post-COVID-19 conditions, and (3) explore risk factors for persistent symptoms among individuals from two Chilean cities diagnosed with COVID-19 at least once.

This cross-sectional exploratory study involved a convenience sample of individuals who participated in a prior seroprevalence study in Chile. Participants were recruited by phone between November 2023 and January 2024, and self-reported persistent COVID-19 symptoms using the modified Yorkshire Rehabilitation Scale, which assessed symptom severity and functional disability across three dimensions. Bivariate analysis explores the association between sociodemographic and health variables and reported symptoms using the Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Two Negative binomial models (Model 1: clinical factors and Model 2: clinical plus sociodemographic factors) evaluated factors associated with the severity of post-COVID-19 symptoms.

Of the 144 participants successfully contacted, 83 met the inclusion criteria. A total of 80.7 % reported symptoms consistent with post-COVID-19. The most frequently reported symptoms were sleep disturbances (59.7 %), anxiety (59.7 %), and memory problems (58.2 %). Only three participants had received a formal post-COVID diagnosis, and none were receiving care through Chile's universal post-COVID program. Symptom severity was significantly higher in women (p = 0.04), individuals with two or more COVID-19 episodes (p = 0.04), and those with comorbidities (p = 0.02). Negative binomial regression analysis indicated that multiple COVID-19 episodes were associated with greater symptom severity.

A high percentage of participants experienced post-COVID-19 symptoms. Despite the high symptom burden, access to formal diagnosis and care was minimal, highlighting the need to strengthen diagnostic and management protocols within the Chilean healthcare system.