Risk Factors Associated with Long COVID Syndrome: A Retrospective Study.
Ali A. Asadi‐Pooya, Ali Akbari, Amir Emami, Mehrzad Lotfi, Mahtab Rostamihosseinkhani, Hamid Nemati, Zohreh Barzegar, Maryam Kabiri, Zahra Zeraatpisheh, Mohsen Farjoud‐Kouhanjani, Anahita Jafari, Fateme Sasannia, Shayan Ashrafi, Masoume Nazeri, Sara Nasiri, Mina Shahisavandi
Abstract
Background: Recently, people have recognized the post-acute phase symptoms of the COVID-19. We investigated the long-term symptoms associated with COVID-19, (Long COVID Syndrome), and the risk factors associated with it. Methods: test, and binary logistic regression analysis model were employed. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered to be significant. Results: In total, 4,681 patients were studied, 2915 of whom (62.3%) reported symptoms. The most common symptoms of long COVID syndrome were fatigue, exercise intolerance, walking intolerance, muscle pain, and shortness of breath. Women were more likely to experience long-term COVID syndrome than men (Odds Ratio: 1,268; 95% Confidence Interval: 1,122-1,432; P=0.0001), which was significant. Presentation with respiratory problems at the onset of illness was also significantly associated with long COVID syndrome (Odds Ratio: 1.425; 95% Confidence Interval: 1.177-1.724; P=0.0001). A shorter length of hospital stay was inversely associated with long COVID syndrome (Odds Ratio: 0.953; 95% Confidence Interval: 0.941-0.965; P=0.0001). Conclusion: Long COVID syndrome is a frequent and disabling condition and has significant associations with sex (female), respiratory symptoms at the onset, and the severity of the illness.