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Illawarra COVID-19 Outcome Study (ICOS) - An Observational Study
23 Pages Posted: 28 Jun 2021
More...Abstract
Background: COVID-19 is a viral infection that emerged from Wuhan, China in December 2019. In Australia, there have been 30,331 cases (21st June 2021), with 27,021 of these cases classified as recovered. Despite this, individuals with COVID-19 report debilitating symptoms long after being cleared of the acute infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of ongoing symptoms and functional limitations in individuals previously diagnosed with COVID-19 who are now classified as recovered.
Methods: A prospective observational study. Participants were asked to complete an online survey upon enrolment to the study and again one month later. The surveys included questions regarding their medical conditions, symptoms, ability to complete daily activities, SF-12 Health Survey, and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale.
Findings: The enrolment survey was completed by 59 participants (mean age = 58·4 years; mean 4·5 months (SD = 1·4) post COVID-19). Ongoing symptoms were reported by 72·9% (n = 43). The most common symptom was fatigue (59·3%). Participants (44·8%, n = 26) also reported difficulty carrying out activities of daily living previously able to complete. The follow-up survey (mean 5·6 months post COVID-19) was completed by 52 participants (88.1%). Of these participants, 42·3% (n = 22) had one or more ongoing symptoms.
Interpretation: Survivors of COVID-19 report ongoing symptoms four months post their initial diagnosis. Further investigation of the longer term effects will be important to ensure appropriate care and resources are available.
Funding Information: This research was not funded by any specific grant program or agency.
Declaration of Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.
Ethics Approval Statement: This study was approved by the Joint University of Wollongong and Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District Health Medical Human Research Ethics Committee (2020/ETH01025). Informed consent (written) was obtained prior to the participant being enrolled into the study.
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