Assessment of Health Behaviors of Patients After SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Abstract

Objective: Past infection with COVID-19 increases the risk of occurrence of thromboembolic events in veins and arteries, respiratory failure, and damage to the heart muscle, liver, and nervous system. Pro-health behaviors of patients who had been infected with SARS-CoV-2 are the determinant of maintaining and strengthening the state of health. We assessed health behaviors of convalescent patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection and determined the relationships between these behaviors and the selected social and demographic characteristics.Methods: The study included 125 patients who had been infected with SARS-CoV-2; we used the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI), and an author-constructed questionnaire.Results: Overall, 60.8% of respondents presented a mediocre level of health behaviors (5-6 stens), 24.8% low (1-4 stens), and 14.4% high (7-10 stens). We found the highest mean value in the case of one HBI category: positive psychological attitude (3.51±0.67), followed by prophylactic behaviors (3.42±0.73), and correct eating habits (3.36±0.84). The lowest value (demonstrating the least pro-health behavior of respondents) concerned health practices (3.23±0.78).Conclusions: COVID-19 convalescent patients presented a mediocre set of health behaviors. We found statistically significant relationships between health behaviors by education and age. Persons who have had SARS-CoV-2 should receive health education in all areas of health behavior.