Evaluation of post COVID-19 conditions and functional disabilities: A cross-sectional survey

Objective: To assess the prevalence of post COVID-19 conditions, functional disability impacting daily living, and associated sociodemographic determinants. Methods: In this cross-sectional door-to-door survey, post COVID-19 conditions were identified. Functional impairment was assessed using EuroQoL five-dimension five-level (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire. Relative risk of symptoms in the COVID-19 positive group as compared to the symptoms in the COVID-19 negative group was calculated. Chi-square test with subsequent Bonferroni's correction was performed to analyze the association of symptoms with age categories, sex and severity of infection. P value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Out of 57610 persons surveyed, COVID-19 test reports were available for 34602 (1799 positive and 32 803 negative) respondents. Post COVID-19 complaints were significantly more prevalent in infected individuals, including loss of taste (RR 8.82, 95% CI 4.77-16.31, P <0.01), loss of smell (RR 7.29, 95% CI 3.7414.22, P <0.01), fatigue (RR 2.97, 95% CI 2.56-3.44, P <0.01), muscle pains (RR 1.86, 95% CI 1.59-2.18, P <0.01). EQ-5D-5L scores reflected greater difficulty in mobility, self-care, daily activities, and mental health among the infected group, especially in moderate to severe cases. Conclusions: The survey highlights a significantly higher burden of post COVID-19 complaints and functional limitations among COVID-19 positive individuals. These findings underscore the necessity for long-term management strategies to mitigate the burden of post COVID-19 conditions and poor functional status.