Prevalence of post–COVID syndrome in a cohort of faculty of a medical institute and their family members

  • Saera Suhail Kidwai
  • Fatima Zahra
  • Mehrunnisa Umar
  • Ayaz Ahmed
  • Zahid Akhtar Rao
  • Rukhsana Abdul Sattar
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35975/apic.v26i2.1807
Keywords: Post–COVID syndrome, Fatigue, COVID–19

Abstract

Background & Objective: Persistent or new appearance signs and symptoms in post–COVID patients is a well–recognized complication of the COVID-19 pandemic, the severity of which is still underestimated and, therefore, remains unaddressed. Multiple studies from all over the world have documented the prevalence of post–COVID symptoms; however, the frequency, the severity and the variety of post–COVID symptoms in our country has not been much investigated.  We determined the prevalence of post–COVID syndrome in a cohort of faculty working in Fazaia Ruth Pfau Medical College (FRPMC), Karachi, Pakistan, and their family members.

Methodology: This cross–sectional, descriptive single–center study was conducted in a medical institute, data was gathered with a questionnaire sent to the cohort of medical faculty and their families. Data was analyzed on SPSS 20 and ODDs Ratio calculated using different variables.

Results: A total of 84 patients were enrolled which had suffered from COVID out of which 51 (60.7%) had post–COVID symptoms, with fatigability 40 (48%), muscle pain 16 (19%), inability to continue the normal chores 12(14%), dry cough 11 (13%), breathlessness 10(12%), sleep disturbance and brain fog or difficulty in concentration 11 (13%), and hair loss 9 (11%) being the common complaints. There was no positive or negative relationship between the severity of COVID infection and the presence of the post–COVID syndrome.

Conclusion: The prevalence of post–COVID symptoms in COVID infected population is high, however, no identifiable risk factor is observed. A multidisciplinary team approach is much needed to cater for the needs of the vulnerable post–COVID population, more observational studies are needed to follow the sequel of this comparatively new virus which may still be unidentified.

Key words: Post–COVID syndrome; Fatigue; COVID–19

Citation: Kidwai SS, Zahra F, Umar M, Ahmed A, Rao ZA, Sattar RA. Prevalence of post–COVID syndrome in a cohort of faculty of a medical institute and their family members. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2022;26(2): 154-160; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v26i2.1807

Received: January 03, 2022, Reviewed: February 20, 2022, Accepted: March 02, 2022

Author Biographies

Saera Suhail Kidwai

Head of Department of Medicine, Fazaia Ruth Pfau Medical College, PAF Base Faisal, Main Shahrah –e- Faisal, Karachi

Fatima Zahra

Associate Professor, Fazaia Ruth Pfau Medical College, PAF Base Faisal, Main Shahrah –e- Faisal, Karachi

Mehrunnisa Umar

Assistant Professor, Fazaia Ruth Pfau Medical College, PAF Base Faisal, Main Shahrah –e- Faisal, Karach

Ayaz Ahmed

 Assistant Professor, Fazaia Ruth Pfau Medical College, PAF Base Faisal, Main Shahrah -e- Faisal, Karachi

Zahid Akhtar Rao

Chairman, Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care, Director Postgraduate Medical Education, Fazaia Ruth Pfau Medical College, PAF Base Faisal, Main Shahrah -e- Faisal, Karachi

Rukhsana Abdul Sattar

Chairperson Medicine and Allied Department, Fazaia Ruth Pfau Medical College, PAF Base Faisal, Main Shahrah -e- Faisal, Karachi

Published
03-09-2022
How to Cite
Kidwai, S., Zahra, F., Umar, M., Ahmed, A., Rao, Z., & Sattar, R. (2022). Prevalence of post–COVID syndrome in a cohort of faculty of a medical institute and their family members. Anaesthesia, Pain & Intensive Care, 26(2), 154-160. https://doi.org/10.35975/apic.v26i2.1807
Issue
Vol 26 No 2 (2022): April 2022
Section
Case Reports

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