Publication date: Feb 08, 2025

BackgroundEvidence of post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) in the Alpha- and Delta-variant dominant waves is limited. MethodsIn a nationwide multicentre cohort study in collaboration with 20 hospitals, we collected data using self-administered questionnaires and electronic medical records of participants aged 20 or more diagnosed with COVID-19, hospitalized between Apr 1 2021 and Sept 30 2021, and discharged alive. Descriptive statistics were analyzed for PCC and mental health (HADS anxiety and depression scores), comparing Alpa and Delta-dominant waves. ResultsWe analyzed 1,040 patients (median age, 57 [IQR 49-66] years; men, 66. 2%). Of the respondents, 45. 4% had at least one PCC symptom one year after infection. The common symptoms included dyspnea (20. 7%), fatigue/malaise (17. 6%), muscle weakness (15. 4%), decrease in concentration (13. 4%), and sleep disorder (13. 3%), followed by brain fog (8. 4%). Among patients with PCC, 14. 0% had anxiety (HADS-Anxiety ≥11), and 18. 6% had depression (HADS-Depression ≥11), with four times higher proportions than those without PCC; only small variations by age, sex, and waves were observed. Associated factors for PCC were age 40 years or over, women, severity of COVID-19 during hospitalization, ex-smokers who quit smoking before COVID-19 infection and being infected during the Delta-variant dominant wave. ConclusionThe study described the prevalence of PCC, associated factors, and mental health of COVID-19 survivors hospitalized during the Alpha and Delta-variant dominant waves in Japan. Further follow-up will be conducted to examine the longer-term impact of COVID-19 on PCC, complications, daily life, and socioeconomic status.

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Original Article