Incidence of long COVID and associated psychosocial characteristics in a large U.S. city.

Abstract

Persistent residual effects from Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) have been observed with varying definitions of "Long COVID" and little comprehensive examination. This study examined the incidence and psychosocial correlates of Long COVID using different definitions. Data were analyzed from a citywide sample of 3595 adults with lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 that were surveyed over 3months. Rates of Long COVID were examined in terms of Post-Acute COVID (PAC), defined as at least one symptom lasting for 4weeks, and three levels of Post-COVID Syndrome (PCS) that included experiencing at least one symptom for 3months (PCS-1), experiencing three or more symptoms for 3months (PCS-2), or experiencing at least one of the same symptoms for 3months (PCS-3). Among the 686 participants who completed baseline, 1-month, and 3-month follow-up assessments, 75.7% had PAC, 55.0% had PSC-1, 26.5% had PSC-2, and 19.0% had PSC-3. Comparing participants with PAC and PSC-3 in the total sample with inverse probability weighting, multivariable analyses revealed being female, Asian or Native American, greater reported longlines, and less social support were predictive of PCS-3. Residual effects of COVID-19 are very common and nearly one-fifth of our sample met the most restrictive definition of Long COVID warranting concern as a public health issue. Some demographic and social factors may predispose some adults to Long COVID, which should be considered for prevention and population health.