Post-COVID-19 Syndrome in Non-Hospitalized Individuals: Healthcare Situation 2 Years after SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Abstract

Although “post-COVID-19 syndrome” (PCS) is reported to be common even in non-hospitalized individuals, long-term information on symptom burden, healthcare needs, utilization, and satisfaction with healthcare is scarce. The objectives of this study were to describe symptom burden, healthcare utilization and experiences with the healthcare offered for PCS in a German sample of non-hospitalized persons 2 years after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Individuals with past COVID-19 confirmed by positive polymerase chain reaction testing were examined at the University Hospital of Augsburg from 4 November 2020 to 26 May 2021 and completed a postal questionnaire between 14 June 2022 and 1 November 2022. Participants who self-reported the presence of fatigue, dyspnea on exertion, memory problems or concentration problems were classified as having PCS. Of the 304 non-hospitalized participants (58.2% female, median age 53.5), 210 (69.1%) had a PCS. Among these, 18.8% had slight to moderate functional limitations. Participants with PCS showed a significantly higher utilization of healthcare and a large proportion complained about lacking information on persistent COVID-19 symptoms and problems finding competent healthcare providers. The results indicate the need to optimize patient information on PCS, facilitate access to specialized healthcare providers, provide treatment options in the primary care setting and improve the education of healthcare providers.

A cross-sectional and population-based study from primary care on post-COVID-19 conditions in non-hospitalized patients

“…These symptoms were prevalent in at least half of COVID-19-positive patients. Existing studies with non-hospitalized patients were largely based on recruitment from social media groups 4 , 16 , 21 , had smaller sample sizes 7 , 19 , 22 , 46 – 48 , or lacked a COVID-19 negative comparison group 19 , 48 , 49 . Some research calls for the management of PCC in the primary care setting or describes the potential burden on healthcare systems 5 , 7 , yet studies quantifying the burden of PCC symptoms in primary care have not been widely conducted.…”

Improvement in quality of life and cognitive function in Post Covid Syndrome after online occupational therapy: results from a randomized controlled pilot study

“…PCS is a growing global health problem which has been estimated to affect up to 11% of patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection [3]. In spite of high patient numbers worldwide and strong clinical need, effective treatment strategies are pending [21, 22].…”

The Effects of an Eight-Week Swimming Program on Body Composition and Assessment of Dietary Intake in Post-COVID-19 Patients

“…Long COVID-19 encompasses a diverse spectrum of symptoms, including persistent fatigue, breathlessness, cognitive deficits, and musculoskeletal discomfort, persisting for weeks, months, and even years following the initial resolution of the infection [ 4 , 5 ]. The persistence of these symptoms has generated substantial concern regarding the lasting health implications of COVID-19, prompting ongoing research endeavors aimed at comprehending the underlying mechanisms and formulating effective therapeutic strategies [ 5 , 6 ].…”

“…Body mass index (BMI) and body composition have emerged as crucial factors influencing the outcome of COVID-19 and the persistence of long-term COVID-19 symptoms [ 7 ]. Numerous studies have established a connection between higher BMI and an increased risk of severe COVID-19, including hospitalization and mortality [ 6 , 8 ]. Furthermore, individuals with excess body fat, particularly visceral fat and low muscle mass, may be at a greater risk for long COVID-19 symptoms, which can persist for an extended duration postinfection and slower recovery (i.e., to return to typical health and functioning) [ 9 – 12 ].…”