Publication date: Sep 01, 2024

This population-based study investigated the prevalence of de novo, multitype, post-coronavirus disease (COVID) pain and its associated risk factors in previously hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors. The nationwide, cross-sectional study included a cohort of Danish residents previously hospitalized due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection between March 2020 and December 2021. Demographic data, preexisting medical comorbidities, previous pain-related symptoms, medication use for pain management, pain intensity (4-point scale), and development of de novo, multitype, post-COVID pain were collected by a self-reported survey distributed via e-Boks (a secured national digital mail system used in Denmark to provide public information to residents). The sample comprised 4,712 previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors (48. 6% women, mean age: 60. 1 +/- 15. 6 years). At the time of the study (21 +/- 6 months after hospitalization), 18. 0% (847) reported the presence of de novo, multitype, post-COVID pain, and 38. 6% of any pain. A multivariate analysis revealed that female sex (Odds Ratio (OR) 1. 711, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1. 444-2. 023), higher body mass index (OR 1. 032, 95% CI 1. 019-1. 045), intensive care unit admission (OR 1. 597, 95% CI 1. 324-1. 926), previous history of whiplash (OR 2. 471, 95% CI 1. 004-6. 081), anxiety (OR 3. 626, 95% CI 1. 335-9. 708), and younger age (OR .982, 95% CI .976-. 987) were factors associated with development of de novo, multitype, post-COVID pain. High income (OR .635, 95% CI .494-. 817) and high educational level (OR .774, 95% CI .609-. 984) were protective factors. In conclusion, multitype pain as a de novo post-COVID symptom was present in 18. 0% of previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors more than 1 year after hospital discharge and as such can be considered as adding to the global burden of chronic pain. PERSPECTIVE: The study investigates the prevalence of de novo, multitype, post-COVID pain in previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors. This article presents potential risk factors associated with developing new pain symptoms. The results will contribute to understanding the possibility of predicting postinfectious pain from COVID-19 for future analysis.

Semantics

Original Article