Post-COVID-19 Assessment of Physical, Psychological, and Socio-Economic Impact on a General Population of Patients From Odisha, India

Abstract

AIM:  This prospective cross-sectional study evaluated the physical, psychological, and socioeconomic impacts of post-COVID-19 conditions (PCC) in a generalized population from Odisha, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS:  The study protocol and clinical record form (CRF) were approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee. Those above 18 years and of all genders who had recovered in the last six months, whether hospitalized or not hospitalized after the COVID-19 diagnosis, were included in our study. RESULTS:  A total of 198 persons with a median age of 41 years (18-87 years) were enrolled at the post-Covid clinic. For COVID-19 management, 91 persons (46%) were hospitalized, and the remaining 107 (54%) were non-hospitalized. Five dominant clusters of physical symptoms were present - fatigue (82.8%), cough (54%), breathing difficulty (54%), pain in the body (53%), and sleeplessness (51%). The psychological issues faced were fear (41.6%), worry (40.4%), depression (31.8%), and anger (30.3%). The median monthly income in Indian Rupees (INR) for pre-Covid versus post-Covid was 30,000 versus 25,000, effectively a loss of 16.6% in the family income. Adverse impacts on health and economic conditions were observed in 31.3% and 20.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Post-Covid clinics can be a resource-appropriate health system approach for nearly 20% of the pandemic survivors with a low gross domestic product (GDP) per capita.