A Cross-sectional study assessing the Prevalence of Post Covid Syndrome in Urban Field Practice Area of Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore

Abstract

Background Post-covid syndrome is considered to be a multisystem disease which may occur even after a mild acute infection with Covid-19. The incidence of postcovid syndrome is estimated to be 10ndash35 while for hospitalized patients it may reach 85.Methodology A community-based cross-sectional study was undertaken during September-October 2022 in the urban field practice area of BMCampRI to assess the prevalence of post-covid syndrome. 82 people aged 18 years and above were selected using simple random sampling and analysed for post-covid syndrome. Results A majority of patients experienced at least one post COVID19 symptom with fatigue 85 being the most common postdischarge manifestations. Malaise or discomfort 84 was the second most common symptom among postcovid syndrome patients. Low mood or mood disturbance 82 was the third most common complaint among postcovid patients. Dyspnea was observed in about 58 of the participants. Chest pain was the least common symptom 9.7. The majority of the participants had at least one postCOVID manifestation fatigue 85 mood disturbance 82 and malaise 84. The other most common symptoms were dyspnoea 60 joint pain 34 and poor sleep 37. Minor symptoms seen with postcovid syndrome were anxiety 17 loss of smelltaste 15 cognitivememory problems 13 persistent headache 12 chest pain 10 persistent cough 9 and fever 6. The respiratory system was the most commonly affected system 48. The other affected systems affected were cardiovascular system 5 musculoskeletal system 15 central nervous system 8 and gastrointestinal system 7.Conclusion Post-covid syndrome affects multi-organ systems to various degrees hence it is a matter of concern and needs to be addressed at the earliest possible.nbsp