Long-Term Self-Reported Symptoms Among Adults After COVID-19 Infection in the West Bank: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

With growing recognition of the prolonged effects of COVID-19, there is an urgent need to understand its extended clinical and public health implications across diverse settings. Long-term consequences following SARS-CoV-2 infection remain insufficiently studied in Middle Eastern populations. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of persistent COVID-19 symptoms among Palestinian adults and to evaluate their associations with hospitalization and recovery duration.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on a randomized sample of 407 adult COVID-19 patients confirmed by the Palestinian Ministry of Health between November 25 and December 15, 2020. We used a standardized Arabic questionnaire to cover demographics, medical history, symptoms, complications, and physical activity. Data were gathered by phone interviews in October 2021. All data came from self-reports. With significance defined at p < 0.05, associations between the symptom duration, hospitalization, and recovery time were examined using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.

The study population had a mean age of 40 years; 54% were female, and 70.3% had no previous medical history. Common complaints were fatigue (64.9%), anosmia (61.9%), joint pain (52.6%), and headache (51.8%). Hospitalization was necessary in 7.6% of patients, while 5.9% required oxygen or intubation. Most patients (92.6%) recovered in 4 months. The persistence of chest pain (χ ², 16.225), shortness of breath (χ ², 13.257), and lethargy (χ ², 8.194) was significantly associated with hospitalization (p < 0.001). The persistence of the previously mentioned symptoms was significantly associated with the duration of recovery.

This study offers valuable insights into the long-term symptoms experienced by individuals recovering from COVID-19 in the West Bank. The findings carry implications for clinicians, public health authorities, and affected individuals, highlighting the importance of integrated care strategies and sustained support throughout the postacute phase of the disease.