The acute COVID-19 presentation is well described in the literature, but the long-term effect is unclear. This study aims to find the incidence of long-COVID symptoms and the associated risk factors among COVID-19 patients. A prospective cohort study in Palestine included 669 confirmed COVID-19 patients. Sociodemographic and clinical data were extracted from their medical records and collected via semi-structured telephone interviews on Days 10, 30, 60, and 90 using a semi-structured questionnaire. The incidence of long-COVID symptoms was 41.6% (95%CI: 37.8–45.4%). Females [aOR = 1.5 (95%CI:1.1–2.3)], the elderly [aOR = 4.9 (95%CI:2.0-11.3)], and those who required hospitalization [aOR = 5.0 (95%CI:1.3–3.7)] were at a higher risk of developing long-COVID symptoms, as well as patients with dyspnea at day ten [aOR:2.4 (95%CI: 1.6–3.7] and fatigue at day 60 [aOR:3.1 (95%CI:1.5–6.3]. On the other hand, vaccination was found to be protective; non-vaccinated patients were almost seven times more likely than vaccinated patients to report long symptoms [aOR:6.9 (95%CI:4.2–11.3)]. In conclusion, long-COVID symptoms are common among COVID-19 patients, with higher rates among females, older age groups, hospitalized patients, and those with dyspnea and fatigue, while vaccination has proven effective. Therefore, it is essential to identify at-risk patients early and provide appropriate management.
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