Title : Post-COVID-19 syndrome in Jordan
Abstract:
Controversial information about the sequelae of COVID-19 after recovery or post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS). Whereas considerable studies have been done on COVID-19, proportionally, scarcity of literature addressing the PCS, particularly the risk factors causing this syndrome. Determining the prevalence, most common manifestations of PCS, and the possible related risk factors is an important issue. A cross-sectional, online questionnaire-based study was conducted. This questionnaire was posted to the Association of "My experience with COVID-19" in Jordan. Socio-demographic, as well as COVID 19 illness information was collected, from 657 COVID-19 recovered patients at least three months after illness started. PCS prevalence was 71.9%, where the patient experienced, at least one PCS symptom. Most common symptoms including dyspnoea, fatigue, taste and smell impairment, cough, and depression. Six factors were found to be significantly increasing the risk of PCS (using OR, 95% CI); female (2.06, 1.409-2.856), aging ≥30 (1.64, 1.16-2.33), DM (2.978, 1.08-8.21) hypertension, (2.22, 1.118-4.423), respiratory disease (2.33, 1.21-4.501), and neuro-psychological disturbance during illness (3.79, 2.574-5.573). Those patients showed also a significantly higher rate of post-COVID-19 syndrome than their counter groups. Therefore, females, aging ≥30, comorbidity, and neuropsychological disturbance during illness, are considered as a risk group for PCS. Thus, psychological and medical support is highly recommended during and after the episode particularly for the risk groups.
