The study highlights the prevalence of long-term COVID-19 symptoms among survivors in Lagos State. Persistent symptoms such as fatigue and headaches necessitate ongoing healthcare support to enhance the recovery and quality of life of affected individuals.
Summary:
The study investigates persistent COVID-19 symptoms among survivors in Lagos State, Nigeria. Conducted with 274 discharged COVID-19 patients, the study identifies the prevalence and risk factors of lingering symptoms post-recovery. Key findings reveal that over 40% of patients experience persistent symptoms, notably fatigue (12.8%), headaches (12.8%), and chest pain (9.8%). Male patients and those aged between 35 to 49 years were most affected. Severity of initial infection significantly influenced the likelihood of persistent symptoms. These findings underscore the need for post-recovery monitoring to enhance the quality of life for COVID-19 survivors.
Main Points:
- Study Design: Retrospective analysis of 274 discharged COVID-19 patients in Lagos State.
- Persistent Symptoms: Over 40% reported lingering symptoms; common symptoms include fatigue, headaches, chest pain, and insomnia.
- Key Findings:
- 40.9% of patients experienced persistent COVID-19 symptoms.
- Common symptoms: easy fatigability (12.8%), headaches (12.8%), and chest pain (9.8%).
- Patients with moderate initial disease severity had higher odds of persistent symptoms.
- Data Analysis: Utilized STATA 15.0, with significance at p < 0.05.
- Risk Factors: Moderate severity of initial infection increases the likelihood of persistent symptoms.
- Demographics: Majority of patients were male (66.1%) and aged 35-49 years (38.3%).
- Comorbidities: Hypertension and diabetes were the most common underlying conditions.
- Conclusion: Persistent symptoms post-COVID-19 are significant, emphasizing the need for post-discharge monitoring and public health measures.
The study highlights that a significant portion of COVID-19 survivors in Lagos State experience persistent symptoms, particularly fatigue and headaches, which can hinder their return to normal life. This emphasizes the importance of long-term follow-up and supportive care to mitigate the impact of ‘long COVID’ and improve survivors’ quality of life. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and develop effective interventions.
Credible Source:
May be under a subscription paywall
https://bmcinfectdis.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12879-020-05716-x
Osikomaiya, B., Erinoso, O., Wright, K.O. et al. ‘Long COVID’: persistent COVID-19 symptoms in survivors managed in Lagos State, Nigeria. BMC Infect Dis 21, 304 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-020-05716-x
