Incidence and psychiatric predictors of Long COVID beyond 3months in a city-wide community sample in Texas.

Abstract

Studies have emerged about a syndrome of persistent symptoms of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection called 'Long COVID', which have mostly focused on the first 3months. This study examined rates and predictors of Long COVID symptoms lasting beyond 3months (termed Long2 COVID). A longitudinal cohort study using a population-based sample of 511 adults in San Antonio, Texas with laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 were assessed for Long2 COVID. Inverse probability weighting was used. In the sample, 19.18-59.10% met criteria for Long2 COVID depending on the definition. In general, Long COVID symptoms decreased after 3months with the notable exception of an observed increase in loss of taste and smell. White Hispanic (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=7.66; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.78, 32.87) background and baseline depression symptoms (aOR=1.30; 95% CI=1.03, 1.65) were predictive of Long2 COVID. Long2 COVID was also associated with greater anxiety symptoms 6months after onset of COVID-19. A sizable proportion report COVID-19 symptoms lasting more than 3months and some symptoms even increased over time. Adults who are Hispanic white adults or have depression may be at greater risk for Long2 COVID. Further research is needed on why some adults experience Long COVID and how to reduce the duration of illness.