Evolution of long COVID over two years in hospitalised and non-hospitalised survivors in Bangladesh: a longitudinal cohort study

• DOI: 10.7189/jogh.15.04075
• Publication Date: 2025-03-14T11:59:22Z
• Authors: Farzana Afroze; Shohael Mahmud Ar...; Chowdhury Meshkat...; Baharul Alam; Sayera Banu; Md Zahidul Islam; Mustafa Mahfuz; Firdausi Qadri; Taufiqur Rahman B...; Irin Parvin; Mst Mahmuda Ackhter; Farhana Islam; Monjeline Sultana; Eva Sultana; Mohammad Ferdous ...; Abed Hussain Khan; Md Nazmul Hasan; Shahriar Ahmed; Mohammod Jobayer ...; Tahmeed Ahmed
• Keywords: 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak; Longitudinal Study; Pandemic

In developing settings, comparative data on COVID hospitalised survivors (HS) and non-hospitalised (NHS) is scarce. We determined burdens, incidence, evolution, associated factors of long COVID-19 over two years among these groups. conducted a longitudinal cohort study in Dhaka, Bangladesh, recruited confirmed from December 2020 to May 2021 (previously reported). 346 underwent in-person follow-ups at five, nine, 18 months post-infection. The assessment included symptoms, cardiorespiratory function, neuropsychiatric conditions, quality life, laboratory tests. outcomes one or more symptoms and/or signs indicative COVID, aligning closely with the World Health Organization definition post-COVID-19 condition. Of participants, we 326 analysis. 78% HS (n/N = 171/219) 62% NHS 55/89) reported least sequela symptom. had higher odds palpitations, headaches, dizziness, sleeping difficulties, brain fog, muscle weakness, joint pain, hypertension, insulin requirement, poor prolonged corrected QT intervals electrocardiogram compared (95% confidence interval (CI)>1). Regarding sequelae-symptoms, neurological outcomes, restrictive spirometry findings, abnormalities remained unchanged, although psychiatric sequelae, exercise capacity improved both Hospital readmission rates significantly increased (P < 0.05). incidence cough, hypertension were CI>1). Two vaccine doses decreased risk respiratory (adjusted ratio (aRR) 0.76; 95% CI 0.63-0.91) sequelae (aRR 0.78; 0.66-0.92) than no doses. survivors, particularly HS, experienced burden persistent health issues after infection. However, vaccination reduced outcomes. These findings highlight importance ongoing programs need for targeted rehabilitation services low-resource settings.