Post-covid syndrome – current challenge in the work of the general practitioner
Abstract
Introduction. Post-COVID syndrome is characterized
by a wide range of clinical symptoms that persist for more
than three months after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Objective. Our objective was to confirm and explore
the long-term effects of post-COVID syndrome, the prevalence
of individual symptoms, and the factors that may influence
their occurrence.
Method. In our study, we conducted a cross-sectional
analysis on patients who had previously been infected with
SARS-CoV-2. Participants were requested to complete the
questionnaire during the latter part of 2023. The data was examined
using descriptive statistics, the Kruskal-Wallis test,
and the Bonferroni test for multiple pair comparisons using
SPSS 26. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results. Out of a total of 90 participants, 15.6% did not
experience post-COVID symptoms. However, 24.4% experienced
symptoms that persisted for longer than six months.
The most common symptoms reported were rapid fatigue
(60%), chronic fatigue (53.3%), and difficulty concentrating
(45.6%). There was a significant difference in the occurrence
of tachycardia, sweating, and constipation among different
age groups (p<0.05). Additionally, the presence of cough,
chest pain, constipation, and sexual disorders showed significant
differences in relation to body mass index, (p<0.05).
Furthermore, significant differences in the occurrence of
nightmares, headaches, anxiety, abdominal pain, and diarrhea
were noticed in relation to cigarette smoking status (p<0.05).
Lastly, in relation to comorbidities, there was a statistically
significant difference in the occurrence of hair loss (p<0.05).
Conclusion. A holistic approach is necessary in treating
a patient with post-COVID. Therefore, the role of the general
practitioner (GP) is crucial.
Keywords: SARS-CoV-
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