Prevalência de sequelas entre indivíduos acometidos por COVID-19

Abstract

COVID-19 is an infectious disease whose first presentation took place during the 2019-2020 pandemic. The disease is characterized mainly, but not only, by the symptoms of dry cough, fever and tiredness, in addition to long-term sequelae. Objective: to estimate the prevalence of sequelae in individuals affected by COVID- 19. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, with a sample composed of individuals of both sexes, over 18 years of age, who had a positive diagnosis of COVID-19. Data were collected through an online questionnaire, formed by a set of questions about sociodemographic, behavioral and health characteristics. The outcome was evaluated through the question: “Did you have COVID-19 sequelae?”, with those who answered affirmatively being considered as having sequelae. Statistical analysis was performed using the PSPP program, the prevalence of the outcome was calculated and its distribution according to the independent variables was verified using the chi square test, considering an α (alpha) error of 5%. Results: The sample consisted of 151 individuals, 68.2% female and 90.1% younger than 60 years. The majority (90.7%) declared to consider their own health as “Good”. 12.6% assumed to be smokers, 75.5% alcohol consumers, 25.2% acknowledged being in the risk group for COVID-19. A total of 57 individuals (37.7%) reported having sequelae, the most prevalent being neurological sequelae (40.4%), dyspnea (35.1%) and smell alterations (28.1%). As for the outcome, the variables that showed statistical relevance were among those with fair/poor perception of health (71.4%, p=0.006), hospitalization due to covid (85.7%, p=0.007) and presence of comorbidities (47 .8%, p=0.019). Conclusion: From the research participants, several data were found that corroborate with part of the material already produced when analyzing the prevalence of sequelae, more incidents sequels and correlations of sequels with comorbidities and hospitalizations, adding to the literature in this still scarce and necessary content to combat this still important infection and, beyond that, the long term consequences, whose prevalence is alarmingly high.