LONG-TERM IMPACTS OF SARS-COV-2 ON HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AND SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION ON PATIENTS REQUIRING HOSPITALIZATION IN NORTHEASTERN BRAZIL

TYPE: Abstract TOPIC: Signs and Symptoms of Chest Diseases PURPOSE: To assess the possible long-term impairments in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients after discharge from hospital in a city in northeastern Brazil. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving adults of both genders with a diagnosis of COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR who were discharged from the hospital. All subjects underwent interviews and completed surveys to assess their and the presence of symptoms of anxiety and depression represented respectively by 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and HADS (Hospital anxiety and depression scale). RESULTS: Characteristics: 31 patients included, 58% female, 52±10 years. BMI 30.7 ± 6.3 kg/m2 , length of hospital stay with median 17 days (IQ 10-40). There was a difference statistically significant for all domains of SF-36 (p <0,001). Worst scores were in role physical (mean difference: 67; CI:95% 46.6-87.4), role emotional (mean difference: 52; CI:95%; 34.3-69) and physical functioning (mean difference: 51; CI: 95%; 30.3-56.5) domains (table 1). 70% of the subjects reported symptoms of anxiety and depression defined as HADS > 8. 50% of these were moderate or severe. CONCLUSIONS: Three months after hospital discharge following recovery from COVID-19-associated pneumonia quality of life impairments and the presence of symptoms of anxiety and depression are still highly prevalent in this population. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The persistence of symptoms after hospital discharge implies the need for follow-up and multidisciplinary care to return to health conditions prior the disease. This work has been supported by the research agencies: UFPE, CAPES, CNPq (403341/2020-5) and FACEPE (APQ-0249-4.08/20). DISCLOSURE: Nothing to declare. KEYWORD: COVID-19