Long-COVID-19 Impact in non-hospitalized patients: Sleep and quality of life 24 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection

• DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1610_23
• Publication Date: 2024-04-22T12:00:44Z
• Authors: Shiv K. Mudgal; Vipin Patidar; Sanjay Kumar; Suman Kumar; Rakhi Gaur; Rajat Agarwal; Seshadri Reddy Va...; Pratima Gupta; Saurabh Varshney
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; quality of life; non-hospitalized patients; long-covid-19; R; sars-cov-2 infection; Medicine; Original Article; sleep

ABSTRACT

Background and Aims: Sleep disruption and reduced quality of life are common long coronavirus disease (COVID) manifestations, affecting survivors irrespective of initial COVID-19 severity. Limited research investigates symptoms beyond 24 months post-infection. We aimed to address this gap by longitudinally studying sleep patterns and overall quality of life in non-hospitalized adults, 24 months after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.

Methods: This prospective observational study involved the enrolment of 337 adult non-hospitalized patients in a consecutive fashion. Individuals with past COVID-19 (from 15 April 2020 to 30 June 2021) were examined at two Government hospitals and completed a telephone interview between 1 May 2023 and 30 June 2023, located in Jharkhand, India. Participants were queried about their sleep patterns and quality of life, utilizing the DSM5 LEVEL 2 and EQ-ED-5L tool, respectively.

Results: Among 337 non-hospitalized participants, 212 completed the survey. Within this group (59.4% men, mean age 38), 36 (17.0%) experienced sleep impairment. All five dimensions of quality of life (QoL) were adversely affected in long COVID patients. Advanced age, high income, residing in rural or semi-urban areas, and having comorbidities were associated with a higher likelihood of decreased quality of life across various domains. Conversely, participants who were married, employed in healthcare or government positions, and vaccinated exhibited a reduced likelihood of experiencing lower quality of life.

Conclusion: Long COVID-19 affects sleep and quality of life, with various demographic and clinical factors influencing outcomes. This study provides insights into the extended consequences of long COVID-19 and aids healthcare systems in addressing the challenges posed by this condition.