The following is a summary of “A biopsychosocial analysis of risk factors for persistent physical, cognitive, and psychological symptoms among previously hospitalized post-COVID-19 patients,” published in Scientific Reports by Claessens et al.
Many survivors of COVID-19 report persistent physical, cognitive, and psychological symptoms. These can last up to 1 year after hospital discharge.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study to assess the frequency, severity, and progression of persistent symptoms in survivors with COVID-19.
They conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study with 126 patients with COVID-19 admitted to the VieCuri Medical Centre between 2020 and 2022. Follow-up assessments occurred at 3- and 12-months post discharge, including pulmonary function tests, CT scans, bioimpedance analysis, and questionnaires on physical, cognitive, and psychological symptoms.
The results showed that 31–32% of patients reported moderate to severe physical symptoms, 26–27% reported multiple cognitive symptoms, and 14–18% experienced depressive or posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSSs) at both follow-ups. Anxiety symptoms significantly decreased from 22% to 12% (P = .014).
Investigators found that symptom persistence at 12 months was linked to premorbid conditions, illness severity, physical factors, and cognitive and psychological factors (P < .05). These findings emphasized the need for a biopsychosocial approach in early screening and treatment.