학술논문

Long-term Symptoms and Quality of Life in Persons with COVID-19
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Document Type
Academic Journal
Source
Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology. September 2023, Vol. 5 Issue 3, p212, 9 p.
Subject
World Health Organization -- Surveys
Surveys
Health aspects
Severe acute respiratory syndrome -- Health aspects -- Surveys
Coronaviruses -- Health aspects -- Surveys
COVID-19 vaccines -- Health aspects -- Surveys
Vaccination -- Health aspects -- Surveys
COVID-19 -- Surveys -- Health aspects
Language
English
ISSN
2667-646X
Abstract
INTRODUCTION COVID-19, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a zoonotic infection that emerged in Wuhan province of China in December 2019. SARS-COV-2 is a Betacoronavirus that is [...]
Objective: After three years since the first cases of COVID-19, many people suffer from post-COVID symptoms, reducing their quality of life. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the symptoms and prevalence of long COVID and its effect on the quality of life and also the effect of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine on the quality of life. Materials and Methods: Patients with COVID-19 between April 01, 2020, and December 31, 2021, were evaluated with a survey at least three and at most 12 months (mean 7.43 [+ or -] 3.3 months) after diagnosis. Patients answered the questions face-to-face or via telephone interview. The survey included questionnaires on demographic features, current complaints, and complaints that persisted or developed after recovery, Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36), and European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 3 Level Version (EQ-5D-3L) Scale. Results: The study was conducted with 521 participants, 81% complaining of post-COVID symptoms. The most common symptoms were fatigue and shortness of breath. Long COVID was found to significantly reduce the quality of life in both sub-dimensions of the scale. Compared to SF-36 Turkish population norms, all participants showed a significant decrease in quality of life subscales. Vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) was found to improve quality of life and reduce long-term COVID-19 symptoms. Conclusion: COVID-19 has significantly affected quality of life. Post-illness follow-up of people with COVID-19 is important to provide patients with medical, physical, and psychosocial rehabilitation support. SARS-COV-2 vaccine reduces the negative effects of COVID-19 on quality of life. For this reason, the community should be made aware of vaccination, and COVID-19 vaccination rates should be increased in the community. Keywords: SARS-CoV-2, long COVID, quality of life