Post-COVID-19 Complications and Associated Factors among COVID-19 Survivors in Southern Part of Bangladesh

Abstract

Objective: SARS-CoV-2 infection causes numerous post-COVID (COV) complications among patients after recovery. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Sher-E-Bangla Medical College (SBMC), Barishal, Bangladesh, on 773 SARS-CoV-2 survivors from February to June 2021. Baseline characteristics, including comorbidity and post-COVID complications, were assessed. Results: The prevalence of post-COV complications was 22.8% (95% CI: 19.9%–25.9%). Fatigue (18.2%) was the most common complication, followed by shortness of breath (14.6%), cough (11.1%), chest pain (6.5%) and body ache (5.4%). Bronchial asthma (OR = 2.38), diabetes mellitus (OR = 2.07), Business and service (OR = 1.82), Good education (OR = 2.91), and tobacco use (OR = 1.40) were among the significant factors associated with the post-COV complications while hypertension and residence could not produce significant odds of association, though they were associated in the preliminary analysis. Conclusion: COVID-19 is associated with many complications involving all systems of the body. Certain comorbidities and demographic factors are associated with post-COV complications. The factors should be addressed in advance if the infection emerges again in the future.