An Epidemiological Cross-sectional Study of Post-COVID-19 Syndrome in Patients of Anand District.

Background: Coronavirus has infected 44.7 million Indians until December 2022. After recovery, patients are developing long-term effects of COVID-19. Research is required to know the burden of post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) and factors leading it. To estimate the prevalence of PCS and its associated factors in Anand district of Gujarat state. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 8 talukas of Anand district.

Methods and material: Sample size of 450 patients divided into the hospitalized group and home/facility isolated group with samples of 300 and 150, respectively. Information was collected using a pretested semistructured questionnaire after taking written informed consent. It included demographic details, personal history, COVID-19-related information, and questions regarding persistent/newly developed symptoms after 12 weeks of COVID-19. The data collected were entered in Microsoft Excel 2019 and analyzed by SPSS version 15. Descriptive analysis followed by univariate analysis and logistic regression was performed. Among 450, 56% of patients were male and 43.3% were female.

Results: The study reported 25.11% prevalence of PCS. Majority (82%) of patients having PCS had Grade I symptoms. Common symptoms recorded were weakness (10%) and breathlessness (4%). PCS was found to be associated with the hospitalization status of a patient, administration of drugs like antacids, Ivermectin, and Insulin.

Conclusions: Looking at current prevalence of PCS, well-sensitized healthcare system is needed to be established. Further research is required to explore more risk factors leading to PCS and various treatment options for PCS.