Health outcomes in hospitalised and non-hospitalised individuals after COVID-19, an observational, cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Both hospitalised (H) and non-hospitalised (NH) individuals may have different symptoms and impairments after COVID-19. We aimed to explore symptoms, mental and physical health after initial COVID-19 for both groups of individuals and the association between physical and mental impairments in relation to self-rated health status and to identify different cluster profiles.

METHODS

Participants were recruited between June 2020 until December 2022 at the Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden. Data was collected at first assessment after COVID-19 and consisted of demographics, medical history, symptoms and results from physical function tests and self-reported questionnaires.

RESULTS

Here we show that among 931 participants, the H-group are older (mean age 56.7 years) and predominantly male (72%), while the NH-group are younger (mean age 44.4 years) and mostly female (84%). Fatigue, dyspnoea, joint pain, paraesthesia, and chest pressure are common symptoms reported across all participants. Physical function is lower than predicted in both groups and the NH-group have higher prevalence of depression and fatigue. These impairments together with dyspnoea, number of symptoms and sick leave are also associated with reduced self-rated health. Four specific cluster profiles have been identified, and 66.4% of the participants have severe to moderate impairments.

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of the initial level of care approximately two-thirds of the participants exhibit various physical and mental impairments associated to self-rated health after COVID-19. We propose that defining specific cluster profiles is crucial for tailoring management of post-COVID sequelae. Further long-term studies are needed to understand recovery trajectories to optimise targeted interventions.