Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of Individuals from Pune city after 6 weeks of Mild and Moderate grade COVID-19 infection

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus was declared as a global pandemic by the WHO in March 2020. India is the second worst hit by the pandemic in which Maharashtra records highest number of infected cases in the country with Pune topping the count. Prevalence of Mild and Moderate grade of COVID-19 infection is high among the population. HRQoL was found to be curtailed in adults who suffered from Upper respiratory tract infection and also in survivors of H1N1 pandemic, SARS and MERS epidemics. Purpose of study: Alteration in individual’s HRQoL can affect his daily activities and community participation. There is a dearth of studies about the impact of COVID-19 infection on the quality of life of patients in Indian Population. Hence, the following study was undertaken and HRQoL was assessed using components of Short Form-12 questionnaire. Results and main findings: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 121 individuals across Pune city, after a mean of 45 days after suffering from Mild (73%) or Moderate (27%) grade of COVID-19 infection. Out of the study population, 29% had one or more co-morbidities present such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, systemic hypertension, hypothyroidism. Results of the components of the SF-12 questionnaire of these individuals are as follows. 61.15% of the study population have no limitations in physical functioning, 65% have no limitation in role physical activities, 72.7% have no pain interference in their daily activities, 92.6% have positive general health perception, 90% have good amount of energy in their daily life, 89.2% have no significant interference in their social activities, 74% have no limitations in their daily activities due to their emotional health, 72.7% have felt peaceful for significant amount of the time and 64.9% individuals have not felt depressed or sad since the infection. Conclusion: Health-related Quality of Life is not impaired in 61.15% of the population of Pune city who suffered from mild and moderate grade COVID-19 infection. Clinical implication: This study can be helpful in planning a multidisciplinary treatment after 6 weeks of the infection for individuals who were mildly or moderately infected by COVID-19. KEY WORDS: Covid-19, Health related quality of life, SF-12, persistent symptoms.