Post COVID-19 infection: Impact of demography and symptom persistence on functional outcome post hospitalization

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Post-COVID-19 syndrome has emerged as we learn more about COVID-19 but its influence on patient well-being after discharge is not well researched. The study examined the impact of demography and symptom persistence on functional outcome post hospitalization. Method(s) A single-centre, cross-sectional study was conducted via retrospective review of medical records of patients who attended the post-COVID-19 clinic follow-up from September 2020 until August 2021. Associating factors with functional status was analysed using logistic regression. Result(s) The mean age of 201 patients was 55 (SD 14.1) years old, with population match ethnic proportions and equal gender distribution. Most were diagnosed with COVID-19 Stage 3 or higher. Hypertension (57.1%) and diabetes (39.1%) were the common comorbidities. Cough (59.3%), dyspnoea (43.3%), and fever (42.5%) were the most prevalent hospitalization symptoms, while malaise (21.0%), dyspnoea (17.8%), and cough (17.4%) were the most common post-discharge symptoms. Slightly less than half (46.6%) had poor functional outcome. Patients with malaise [AOR 4.76 (95% CI 1.89, 12.02), p=0.001] and cough [AOR 2.97 (95% CI 1.17, 7.55), p=0.022] had higher odds of poor functional outcome. Twenty-three patients sought treatment for persistent symptoms, but only three contacted the COVID team for advice. Conclusion(s) Persistent symptoms like malaise and cough which was associated with poorer functional outcomes alongside low health-seeking behaviour implying a lack of knowledge about the impact of symptom persistence on their quality of life. This serves as a guide for patient's education on recovery and future follow-up plans in the post-COVID-19 clinic.