Long-term health and psychological complications in recovered COVID-19 patients: A study in Dhaka city

Background

Recovery from COVID-19 can be accompanied by persistent symptoms and complications, collectively termed post-COVID syndrome or ‘long COVID’. This study explores the prevalence and nature of long-term physical and psychological complications among recovered COVID-19 patients in Dhaka, six months post-discharge.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 384 patients from COVID-dedicated hospitals in Dhaka. Data on psychological and physical outcomes, including fatigue, insomnia, and dementia, were collected using validated tools. Confidence intervals (CIs) were used to examine associations and determine statistical significance.

Results

Among the participants, the most common symptoms at hospital admission were cough (93.9%), fever (87.2%), and dyspnea (66.9%). Post-discharge, 74% of respondents reported health issues, with general weakness (58.5%) being the most common. Older participants (≥ 50) had a higher likelihood of longer hospital stays, with only 35.9% hospitalized for ≤ 7 days (CI: 45%–55% in < 50). They also exhibited higher comorbidity rates, including hypertension (57.1%; CI: 38%–45%) and diabetes (53.7%; CI: 22%–28%). Older participants were more likely to experience complications, with 93.1% reporting at least one (CI: 65%–75%). Insomnia was prevalent in both age groups (82.0%; CI: 78%–85%), with dementia more common in older participants (34.6%; CI: 25%–35%).

Conclusions

While older adults exhibited higher rates of dementia and longer hospital stays, the high prevalence of psychological complications across all groups emphasizes the need for comprehensive post-COVID care strategies, particularly for older patients.