Korean J Fam Pract.  2022 Sep;12(4):239-246. 10.21215/kjfp.2022.12.4.239.

Long-Term Health Consequence of Discharged Patients with COVID-19: A Survey of Patients from Hospital Dedicated COVID-19 in 2021

• Min J
• Kim S
• Choi J
• Park H
• Lee S
• Cheung B
• Park K

• KMID: 2533236
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21215/kjfp.2022.12.4.239

Abstract

Background
Due to the prolonged coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, accumulating patients are experiencing long COVID symptoms. This study aimed to investigate whether COVID-19 sequelae affect individuals’ returns to daily life and identify any related factors.
Methods
Data were obtained in 2021 from a dedicated COVID-19 hospital database. A total of 104 patients discharged from COVID-19 hospitalizations were analyzed. The subjects were divided according to age, antiviral treatment received, post-COVID symptoms, and ability to return to daily life. T-test, chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression analyses analyzed the data.
Results
An association was found between return to daily life and age, period after discharge, and number of post-COVID symptoms. People reporting 3 or more post-COVID symptoms showed higher psychological symptom scores. No association was found between acute symptoms at hospital admission and post-discharge symptoms.
Conclusion
Long COVID affected individuals’ post-discharge returns to daily life. Their symptoms improved over time, but symptoms varied and no association was found between acute symptom severity and long COVID effects. A continuous retrospective study is needed to further understand the consequences of long COVID.

Keyword

COVID-19; Post COVID-19 Syndrome; Aftercare; Convalescence