Publication date: Jul 16, 2024
Understanding the prevalence of abnormal lung function and its associated factors among patients recovering from COVID-19 is crucial for enhancing post-COVID care strategies. This study primarily aimed to determine the prevalence and types of spirometry abnormalities among post-COVID-19 patients in Malaysia, with a secondary objective of identifying its associated factors. Conducted at the COVID-19 Research Clinic, Faculty of Medicine, University Technology MARA, from March 2021 to December 2022, this study included patients at least three months post-discharge from hospitals following moderate-to-critical COVID-19. Of 408 patients studied, abnormal spirometry was found in 46. 8%, with 28. 4% exhibiting a restrictive pattern, 17. 4% showing preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm), and 1. 0% displaying an obstructive pattern. Factors independently associated with abnormal spirometry included consolidation on chest X-ray (OR 8. 1, 95% CI 1. 75-37. 42, p = 0. 008), underlying cardiovascular disease (OR 3. 5, 95% CI 1. 19-10. 47, p = 0. 023), ground-glass opacity on chest X-ray (OR 2. 6, 95% CI 1. 52-4. 30, p