Long-term health and psychological complications in recovered COVID-19 patients: A study in Dhaka city

Shimul, Md. Monir Hossain and Khandker, Salamat and Khan, Salim (2025) Long-term health and psychological complications in recovered COVID-19 patients: A study in Dhaka city. Medicina Clínica Práctica, 8 (2). p. 100493. ISSN 2603-9249

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Abstract

Background
Recovery from COVID-19 can be accompanied by persistent symptoms and complications, collectively termed post-COVID syndrome or ‘long COVID’. This study explores the prevalence and nature of long-term physical and psychological complications among recovered COVID-19 patients in Dhaka, six months post-discharge.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 384 patients from COVID-dedicated hospitals in Dhaka. Data on psychological and physical outcomes, including fatigue, insomnia, and dementia, were collected using validated tools. Confidence intervals (CIs) were used to examine associations and determine statistical significance.
Results
Among the participants, the most common symptoms at hospital admission were cough (93.9%), fever (87.2%), and dyspnea (66.9%). Post-discharge, 74% of respondents reported health issues, with general weakness (58.5%) being the most common. Older participants (≥ 50) had a higher likelihood of longer hospital stays, with only 35.9% hospitalized for ≤ 7 days (CI: 45%–55% in < 50). They also exhibited higher comorbidity rates, including hypertension (57.1%; CI: 38%–45%) and diabetes (53.7%; CI: 22%–28%). Older participants were more likely to experience complications, with 93.1% reporting at least one (CI: 65%–75%). Insomnia was prevalent in both age groups (82.0%; CI: 78%–85%), with dementia more common in older participants (34.6%; CI: 25%–35%).
Conclusions
While older adults exhibited higher rates of dementia and longer hospital stays, the high prevalence of psychological complications across all groups emphasizes the need for comprehensive post-COVID care strategies, particularly for older patients.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	10.1016/j.mcpsp.2025.100493
Dates:	Date Event 6 February 2025 Accepted 26 February 2025 Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords:	COVID-19, Post-COVID complications, Long COVID, Bangladesh, Psychological impact, Comorbidities
Subjects:	CAH02 - subjects allied to medicine > CAH02-06 - allied health > CAH02-06-04 - environmental and public health
Divisions:	Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences > College of Health and Care Professions
Depositing User:	Gemma Tonks
Date Deposited:	10 Mar 2025 13:57
Last Modified:	10 Mar 2025 13:57
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/16222

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