The prevalence of post Covid-19 symptoms and its associated factors in patients at health clinics in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Individuals often experienced persistence of COVID-19 symptoms following recovery of COVID-19 infection. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of post COVID-19 symptoms and factors associated with its presence (fatigue, depression, anxiety, and stress).

METHODS: A quantitative study using a cross-sectional survey was carried out in 14 primary care clinics in 2023. Symptoms of fatigue post COVID-19 were evaluated using the fatigue severity scale (total score of 36 or more indicates fatigue) and presence of depression, anxiety and stress were evaluated using Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21) (mild severity and above indicates presence of depression, anxiety, and stress).

RESULT: The prevalence of fatigue, depression, anxiety, and stress in post COVID-19 infection respondents were 54%, 25.8%, 34% and 23% respectively. Respondents who lost the family member(s) due to COVID-19 infection and those who had incomplete vaccination were found to be at risk of fatigue. Depression was higher in younger age respondents, female gender and B40 income group. Anxiety was higher in younger age respondents, people with comorbidities of high cholesterol and heart disease and those with Category 4 and 5 COVID-19 infection; while stress was higher in younger age respondents, female gender and those who lost the family member(s) due to COVID-19 infection.

CONCLUSION: Fatigue, depression, anxiety, and stress affected almost a quarter of individuals with post COVID-19 infection. By identifying the determinants of these post COVID-19 symptoms, a framework of long-term prognosis of COVID-19 can be drafted to manage these groups of patients more effectively.