# Assessment of Post-COVID-19 Functional Status and Complications Among Survivors at a Tertiary Healthcare Center in Bangladesh

## TL;DR

This study examines the long-term health issues and recovery status of COVID-19 survivors in Bangladesh, highlighting common complications like fatigue and breathing difficulties.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into post-COVID complications and functional status among survivors in a Bangladeshi healthcare setting.

## Key findings

- Most participants had mild functional impairment, with fatigue and sleep disturbances being the most common complications.
- Sleep disturbances and breathing difficulties were significantly associated with most levels of functional status.
- The findings emphasize the need for continued care and rehabilitation for post-COVID-19 survivors.

## Abstract

Background and objectives

COVID-19 has caused widespread multisystem impairment, leaving survivors with significant post-COVID complications. Survivors have faced ongoing difficulties as a result of post-COVID complications.

This study aimed to assess the post-COVID functional status and complications among COVID-19 survivors within a tertiary healthcare center in Bangladesh.

Methodology

In this observational study, 244 patients were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria from the post-COVID-19 follow-up clinic of the Department of Medicine at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU).

Results

COVID-19 functional status was assessed using the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale (PCFS). Most of the participants belonged to grade 1, whereas the fewest belonged to grade 4. Fatigue (190, 77.9%), sleep disturbances (126, 51.6%), anxiety (102, 41.8%), and breathing difficulties (98, 40.2%) were the most prevalent complications. Sleep disturbances and breathing difficulties were notably associated with most grades of functional status. Sleep disturbances showed statistical significance with all grades except grade 4 (P ≤ 0.05), while breathing difficulties were significantly associated with all grades except grade 2 (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions

The results of this study shed light on the long-term consequences of COVID-19 in a Bangladeshi context and underscore the importance of continued care and support for survivors. Timely interventions and rehabilitation services can play a crucial role in improving the overall quality of life for COVID-19 survivors in Bangladesh and beyond.