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A Cross-Sectional Study of Symptom Prevalence, Frequency, Severity, and Impact of Long-COVID in Scotland: Part I

Mclaughlin, Marie; Cerexhe, Luke; Macdonald, Eilidh; Ingram, Joanne; Sanal-Hayes, Nilihan E.M.; Meach, Rachel; Carless, David; Sculthorpe, Nicholas

Authors

Marie Mclaughlin

Luke Cerexhe

Eilidh Macdonald

Joanne Ingram

Nilihan E.M. Sanal-Hayes

Rachel Meach

David Carless

Nicholas Sculthorpe



Abstract

Background: Commonly reported symptoms of long COVID may have different patterns of prevalence and presentation across different countries. While some limited data have been reported for the United Kingdom, national specificity for Scotland is less clear. We present a cross-sectional survey to examine the symptom prevalence, frequency, and severity of long COVID for people living with the condition in Scotland. Methods: An online survey was created in the English language and was available between April 21, 2022 and August 5, 2022. Participants were included if they were ≥18 years old, living in Scotland, and had self-diagnosed or confirmed long COVID; and excluded if they were hospitalized during their initial infection. Within this article we quantify symptom prevalence, frequency, severity, and duration. Results: Participants (n = 253) reported the most prevalent long-COVID symptoms to be post-exertional malaise (95%), fatigue/tiredness (85%), and cognitive impairment (68%). Fatigue/tiredness, problems with activities of daily living (ADL), and general pain were most frequently occurring, while sleep difficulties, problems with ADL, and nausea were the most severe. Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation associated with symptom number, severity, and frequency, whereas vaccine status, age, sex, and smoking status had limited or no association. Conclusions: These findings outline the challenges faced for those living with long COVID and highlight the need for longitudinal research to ascertain a better understanding of the condition and its longer-term societal impact.

Citation

Mclaughlin, M., Cerexhe, L., Macdonald, E., Ingram, J., Sanal-Hayes, N. E., Meach, R., …Sculthorpe, N. (2023). A Cross-Sectional Study of Symptom Prevalence, Frequency, Severity, and Impact of Long-COVID in Scotland: Part I. American Journal of Medicine, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2023.07.004

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jul 3, 2023
Online Publication Date Jul 19, 2023
Publication Date 2023
Deposit Date Sep 29, 2023
Publicly Available Date Sep 29, 2023
Journal American Journal of Medicine
Print ISSN 0002-9343
Electronic ISSN 1555-7162
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2023.07.004
Keywords Long COVID; PAIS; PASC; Survey; Symptoms
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4402876

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