Title : Post covid syndrome among Covid 19 patients at National Hospital Kandy, Sri Lanka
Abstract:
Introduction: Health care systems and societies being overloaded by long-term effects after SARS-CoV-2 infection. According to the UK’s latest National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines post-COVID-19 syndrome is when the symptoms persist beyond 12 weeks in the absence of an alternative diagnosis.
Method: Descriptive cross-sectional study, using 150 post covid patients done in post covid clinic of medical unit 1(M1) at National Hospital Kandy (NHK) Sri Lanka. Simple random sampling method was used. Data collection was done by using interviewer administered data collection form. Data analyzed by SPSS 20.
Results: Out of 150 patients who had symptomatic covid 19 infections 79 (53%) were female. Mean age was 52y.Prevalence of post covid syndrome was 18%.out of 150 covid 19 patients 96 (64%) were completely vaccinated. Study showed that patients with ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes were more likely to develop post covid syndrome. Quality of life was adversely affected by post covid syndrome in 125 (83.3%) of patients. Also 22 (14.7%) lost their occupation.54 (36%) post covid patients needed rehospitalization. Chronic fatigue syndrome27(18%), ischemic heart diseases17(11.3%) and Interstitial lung disease21(14%) and hyperglycemia 10(6.7%) were the commonly identified long term complications.
Conclusion: Covid 19 patients need long term follow up to detect development of post covid syndrome. Their quality of life gets adversely affected by post covid syndrome. Comprehensive rehabilitation services and special post covid clinics should be encouraged.
