Post-COVID-19 Condition Characterization: Insights From a Cross-Sectional Study in a Malaysian Rehabilitation Center

• Published in: Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health
• Main Author: Zamli A.H.; Misnan N.A.; Lim S.-Y.; Zohdi W.N.W.M.; Baharum N.; Andiappan K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE Publications Inc. 2023
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85173792261&doi=10.1177%2f10105395231203118&partnerID=40&md5=62b3a37ce860f051bc2f76c7b3bce4db
• ISSN: 10105395
• DOI: 10.1177/10105395231203118

Although post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) is a major public health concern, studies on PCC in Southeast Asia are lacking. This study aimed to describe PCC symptoms and its functional impact among COVID-19 survivors undergoing outpatient rehabilitation in Malaysia. We evaluated 3037 patients with confirmed COVID-19, referred between November 2020 and September 2022, 3 to 6 months after infection. PCC was diagnosed in 71.1%. Fatigue and dyspnea were the most common symptoms. The PCC patients had reduced respiratory, ambulatory, and musculoskeletal function, and higher fatigue and pain scores, and were less likely to return to work (odds ratio [OR] = 0.55) compared with non-PCC patients. Recognition of PCC symptoms and its functional impact can guide early, tailored, rehabilitation interventions. © 2023 APJPH.