BACKGROUND
Patients that tested positive to COVID-19 led to a sub-population of patients who continue to demonstrate acute COVID-19 symptoms. Those demonstrating COVID-19 symptomatologies post 90 days are considered as potential long-COVID-19 (LC) patients. Identifying and managing patients with long-Covid continues to be a challenge, especially in areas where surveillance data and resources are scarce, such as Brazil.
OBJECTIVE
The primary aim of this study is to show the prevalence of LC in the city one of the largest municipalities in Northern Brazil, Petrolina. The results of this study can help strengthen our understanding of the prevalence and symptomatology of LC.
METHODS
A cross sectional study design was used with a real-world dataset. The sample size was 1,164 LC patients. A study specific database was created using Microsoft Excel. Comparative and subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate demographics, comorbidities, clinical symptoms, and mortality.
RESULTS
Pain and neuropsychological symptoms were commonly reported. The prevalence of physical, pain and autonomic symptoms increased with age. Male patients reported a higher prevalence of physical and pain symptoms than females’ patients. Patients belonging to Black and Caucasian racial groups were more likely to experience physical and pain symptoms compared to Pardo patients.
CONCLUSIONS
A potential correlation between physical symptoms and an increased number of comorbidities were identified within the sample. The severity of long-Covid tends to elevate in line with an increase in the number of comorbidities, medications taken, and, in particular, the number of symptoms.