Prevalence of Long-term Post COVID-19 Symptom and Blood Group Correlation

Abstract

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Background:</strong> The aim of the present work is to anticipate and investigate long-term symptoms in COVID-19 survivors and their correlation with the blood groups. <strong>Methods:</strong> A prospective cross-sectional survey based study was conducted amongst COVID 19 survivors in the community of eastern province, Saudi Arabia. The target population was adult, &gt;20 years old, Saudi citizen, who lives in Eastern Province. The survey was conducted online through social media. <strong>Results:</strong> In our research 169 self-reported positive COVID-19 patients participated among which 60 (35.5%) were males and 109 (64.4%) were female. Highest percentage were among the younger age group 21-30 years, 60 (35.5%). O+ constitutes the highest percentage (45%) followed by B+ (21%), A+ (18%), AB (6%), O-(5%), A-(4%), and B-(1%). Patients suffering with chronic diseases 24(14.2%) showed more severe symptoms, 5 (20.83%) (p=0.324) than those without any chronic disease 145(85.79%), 10(6.89%) (p=0.00). The hospitalization rate was higher in patients suffering with chronic disease, 7 (29.16%) than those without any chronic disease, 12 (8.27%). A- Showed more mild symptoms, 6(85.71%), followed by moderate, 1(14.28%) and no severe symptoms (p=0.011). <strong>Conclusion:</strong> It was observed that the blood group and chronic diseases had significant correlation with the severity of disease and prevalence of symptoms post COVID. Highest positive cases were reported among O+. Severity of disease was highest in A+ and lowest in A-. <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Key words: </strong>Blood groups, COVIID 19, Chronic disease, Symptom, Saudi Arabia.