Prevalence of Musculoskeletal, Neurological and Physical Disorder After COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia: A Cross Sectional Study

TL;DR

This study examines the long-term physical and neurological effects of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia, finding common issues like headaches and muscle pain.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the prevalence of musculoskeletal and neurological disorders following COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia.

Findings

Headache was the most common neurological symptom, affecting 63.1% of participants.

Muscle ache or weakness was reported by 62.3% of respondents.

The study found significant associations between COVID-19 and impacts on daily activities and respiratory disorders.

Abstract

Background: The global pandemic of SARS-CoV-2, or COVID-19 continues to attack all human systems. Although COVID-19 is a respiratory disease, various extra-pulmonary manifestations, including musculoskeletal and neuropathies/myopathies was reported. This study aimed to investigates the long-term impacts of COVID-19 infection on physical health, capability of daily life activities, musculoskeletal and neurological functions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods: A total of 499 adults recovered from COVID-19 infection of both sexes, who resided in the KSA were recruited randomly and invited to participate in this cross-sectional web-based survey. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used as an instrument of data collection. All respondents returned the questionnaire. Their responses were recorded, stored into a Microsoft Excel sheet 2010 and analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. Percentages were used to convey descriptive data. The percentages were presented with a 95% confidence interval (CI). For statistical significance, a 0.05 p-value was used. Results: The overall prevalence of neurological and musculoskeletal disorders as follows: headache (63.1%), muscle ache or weakness (62.3%), vertigo (25%), concentration problems (21.8%), breathing troubles (20.4%), loss of balance (19.4%), seizure (1%), and Guillain-Barre Syndrome (0.6%). The results also revealed a significant association between the influence of COVID-19 infection and daily activities, gender and respiratory disorders. Conclusion: The findings highlighted and concluded that COVID-19 infection had an impact on respiratory, nervous, musculoskeletal systems and affect daily activities.

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