A Social Media Survey on the Prevalence of Post-COVID Neurologic Complications Among Nigerians.

Background and objective: Cultural barriers and perceptual factors that are peculiar among Africans are known to limit the number of people seeking medical care for post-COVID conditions. The aim of this social media survey was to ascertain the burden of post-COVID neurologic complications in Nigeria in individuals with confirmed COVID-19.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional web-based survey of persons with PCR-confirmed or suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection in Nigeria with incident infection between March 2020 and April 2022. Our survey utilized Kobo Toolbox® and was disseminated via several online platforms (including WhatsApp ®, Facebook®, and Twitter (X)®). Participant demographics, COVID-19 symptom profile, SARS-CoV-2 test results, and the occurrence of persistent neurological symptoms were documented.

Results: We analyzed the data of 963 participants with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection. The mean age was 36.9 ± 9.9 years, and 555/963 (57.6%) were female. Only 174/963 individuals (18.1%) had SARS-CoV-2 PCR confirmation at any point during the pandemic, of which 133 (76.4%) had accompanying symptoms consistent with the case definition. A total of 47/174 (27.0%) of the PCR-positive participants reported post-acute COVID symptoms, and 46/174 (26.4%) had post-COVID neurologic complaints. The most commonly reported symptoms were fatigue (25; 14.4%), generalized body weakness (22; 12.6%), and difficulty remembering things (15; 8.6%). Slightly over half of those with post-COVID symptoms (25/47; 53.2%) sought care, with 21/25 (84%) presenting to a medical facility. Others presented either to a community pharmacy (1/25) or a patent medicine store (3/25) for care.

Conclusion: Despite low testing rates in Nigeria, the prevalence of post-COVID neurologic complications is approximately 1 in 4 individuals. Further studies on the prognosis and management of post-COVID neurologic sequelae in Nigeria are warranted.