Survey of medical university staff: assessment of COVID-19 manifestations in periods of peak and convalescence

ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of symptoms of post-COVID syndrome by means of a questionnaire among medical university employees. Material and methods. From March 2021 to February 2022, an anonymous online survey was conducted at the A.I. Yevdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation. Only 313 fully completed questionnaires were selected for analysis. Results and discussion. A wide range of asthenic, infectious-inflammatory, respiratory, cardiovascular, neuropsychiatric, gastroenterological and dermatological symptoms were noted both during the peak period and during the convalescence of COVID-19. According to the subjective data of respondents, for more than 3 months, various symptoms associated with deterioration of health after recovering from a new coronavirus infection persisted in 25.9% of cases. Within 3-6 months after the illness and more than 6 months, 44.6% and 55.4% of respondents noted the presence of symptoms of post-COVID syndrome, respectively. During the analysis, it was found that with an increase in the volume of lung damage according to CT data, there was a tendency to increase the proportion of respondents with a long-term (more than 6 months) persistent symptoms of post-COVID syndrome from 20% with CT score 0, up to 29% with CT score 1-2 and up to 58% with CT score 3-4. In this regard, apparently, it is necessary to develop additional screening programs as part of the medical examination of COVID-19 patients. Conclusion. SARS-CoV-2 infection causes a wide range of symptoms both during the period of the disease and during the period of convalescence. Attention should be paid to the need for a targeted survey of patients who have undergone COVID-19 to identify the manifestations of post-COVID syndrome and conduct their medical examination with the participation of a multidisciplinary team.Copyright © Eco-Vector, 2022.