A biopsychosocial analysis of risk factors for long-term physical, cognitive, and psychological functioning in previously hospitalized post-COVID-19 patients

A significant number of COVID-19 survivors continue to experience persistent physical, cognitive, and psychological symptoms up to one year after discharge. This study aimed to examine the frequency, severity, and progression of these symptoms, along with contributing factors. This single-centre retrospective cohort study included 126 COVID-19 patients admitted to the VieCuri Medical Centre between 2020 and 2022, with follow-ups at 3 and 12 months post-discharge. Assessments involved pulmonary function tests, CT scans, bioimpedance analysis, and questionnaires on physical, cognitive, and psychological symptoms. At both follow-ups, 31–32% of patients reported moderate to severe physical symptoms, 26–27% reported multiple cognitive symptoms, and 14–18% experienced depressive or post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Only anxiety symptoms significantly decreased from 22% at 3 months to 12% at 12 months (p = .014). Persistent symptoms at 12 months were significantly associated with premorbid conditions (chronic respiratory disease, multiple comorbidities), injury severity (infection during the third wave), physical factors (COVID-related pulmonary abnormalities, lower total lung capacity, dyspnoea), and cognitive and psychological factors (cognitive symptoms, anxiety, depression, and PTSS) (p < .05). These findings suggest that a significant portion of COVID-19 survivors continue to experience persistent symptoms influenced by biopsychosocial factors, emphasizing the need for a biopsychosocial approach in early screening and treatment.