The Persistent Symptoms and Decreased Quality of Life of COVID-19 Patients (A 3-month Follow-up after Discharge)

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Most coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients are still experiencing persistent clinical symptoms even after being discharged from the hospital. The previous studies have reported the remaining symptoms in 29–93% of patients. This condition can have a major impact on a patient’s ability to perform daily activities and have a deleterious effect on their quality of life (QoL). AIM: This study aimed to evaluate persistent symptoms and QoL of COVID-19 patients 3 months after discharge from Dr. Kariadi Hospital Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia. METHODS: Confirmed COVID-19 patients were enrolled in this prospective cohort study after discharge from Dr. Kariadi Hospital Semarang from March 1, 2021, to May 15, 2021. Telephone interviews were conducted each week in the 1st month, and every 2 weeks in the 2nd and 3rd months regarding persistent symptoms. EQ-5D-5L questionnaires were completed and evaluated every month for 3 months after hospital discharge. RESULTS: Of the 104 patients enrolled, 52.9% were male, with a mean age of 48.96 years. The incidence of persistent symptoms in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd months was 49%, 31.7%, and 25%, respectively. The most common persistent symptoms were fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, and nausea. The characteristics of the patients included being overweight/obese, having one or more comorbidities, having five or more symptoms classified as moderate COVID-19, and requiring supplemental oxygen during hospitalization. Based on the EQ-5D questionnaire, most patients reported worsening in the quality of their ability to perform usual activities, feelings of pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression. The total values of the EQ-5D and EQ-VAS indices were lower than those of the Indonesian general population, indicating a decrease in QoL. CONCLUSION: The patients developed persistent symptoms and decreased quality of life during the 3-month following hospital discharge.