Prevalence and clinical presentations of post-COVID-19 conditions in Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic affected millions worldwide. While the major focus was on diagnosis and treatment of the acute phase of the disease, many individuals experienced long-term health even after recovery. These post-COVID-19 conditions encompass a broad range of physical, psychological, and cognitive symptoms that persist beyond the acute phase of the illness. The aim of this study was to find the prevalence and reported presentations of post-COVID-19 conditions in Nepal. Method: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study using structured questionnaire to collect hospital-based data available in the record of Curative Service Division, Department of Health Services of Nepal from October 2021 to September 2022. A total of 6151 cases were recorded in the study. Descriptive analysis was done for demographic and symptoms variable. Association of variables to post-COVID-19 condition are shown using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Among 6151 respondents (62.25% males), more than half (59.03%) had at least one symptom after recovery from acute COVID-19. The most common symptoms were anxiety (28.5%), loss of appetite (25.3%), shortness of breath (24.13%), fatigue (23.24%), depressed mood (18.79%), muscle ache (17.59%), chest pain (16.81%), headache (14.78%), and palpitation (13%). Multivariate analysis showed increased odds of post-COVID-19 conditions in smokers (adjusted OR [aOR] 1.53), those with chronic lung disease (aOR 1.71), neurological disorder (aOR 2.43) and those with use of supplementary oxygen during acute illness of COVID-19 (aOR 3.37). Conclusion: The prevalence of post-COVID-19 symptoms among the study population is found to be high. The main symptoms from our study and similar studies are anxiety, fatigue, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, muscle pain, headaches. Patients with smoking, hypoxia during acute illness and presence of chronic lung disease and neurological disorder had higher odds of getting post-COVID-19 conditions. Citing the findings, health system should focus upon the management and recording of such conditions for further evidence.