Post-COVID symptoms and mental health status 13–18 months post COVID-19 infection

Aim: COVID-19 infection may have long-lasting implications on mental health and cognitive functions. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of post-COVID-19-related symptoms 13–18 months post-COVID-19 infection and to study the associations between past COVID-19 infection, poor mental health, and cognitive disturbances. Subject and methods: This national retrospective cohort study was conducted from February through June 2022 among a sample of citizens aged ≥ 21 years who performed a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test 13–18 months before entering the study. Self-reported symptoms, poor mental health (a score of ≤ 60 in the 5-item Mental Health Inventory), and cognitive disturbances 13–18 months after the PCR test were compared between those who tested positive and negative. Results: Of 1080 participants, 780 were past SARS-CoV-2-positive, and 300, were SARS-CoV-2-negative. Among the recovered participants, 31.5% reported current new or worsened symptoms that could be attributed to past COVID-19 infection. The most prevalent symptoms 13–18 months post-COVID-19 infection were fatigue, memory or concentration disorders, a decline in physical fitness, myalgia, and sleep disturbances. Past COVID-19 infection was associated with poor mental health (OR 1.54; CI 95% 1.04–2.26), difficulties in executive functioning (OR 2.97; CI 95% 1.95–4.54), and a decline in cognitive performance (OR 3.44; CI 95% 2.25–5.27) after controlling for demographic characteristics and comorbidities. Conclusion: Post-COVID-19-related symptoms were highly prevalent 13–18 months post-COVID-19 infection. Past COVID-infection was also associated with poor mental health and cognitive disturbances. Targeted prevention and intervention management to address the long-term mental health state and cognitive well-being of recovered patients are recommended.