Persistent symptoms and functional health status among Covid-19 patients after discharge from a Covid hospital

Abstract

Background: After recovery from acute Covid infection, many patients are found to be experiencing persistent symptoms. Objectives: To find out the proportion of patients with persistent symptoms after discharge from a Covid hospital and to assess post-Covid-19 functional status. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among patients discharged from a Covid hospital. Records of patients were obtained from the medical records department. Data were collected by using a prevalidated close-ended questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of information regarding the socio-demographic status, history of persistent symptoms, and functional status of patients. Patients were contacted and interviewed telephonically. History regarding common persistent symptoms and functional status was asked. Statistical analysis was done by using Epi info statistical software. Results: Out of 133 patients, persistent symptoms after discharge were reported among 92 (69%) patients. The common symptoms reported by the patients were fatigue (48.12%), weakness (42.10%), dyspnea (27.82%), and myalgia (12%). Loss of taste was reported by 10 (7.5%) and loss of appetite by 8 (6.01%). Seventy-four (55.63%) patients reported functional limitations. Conclusions: The proportion of persistent symptoms among Covid-19 patients after discharge was found to be high. More than half of the patients reported functional limitations. Patients should be screened for persistent symptoms and health care services should be provided.

Keywords

• covid-19
• discharge
• functional health status
• persistent symptoms