Prevalence and Characteristics of Long COVID among COVID-19 Survivors in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study, 2025,

Prevalence and Characteristics of Long COVID among COVID-19 Survivors in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Haya M. Almalag, Njoud Altuwaijri, Lamya S. Alnaim, Dareen Alassiri , Ghaida Alsolaimi, Sarah Aldakhil, Noha Al Aloola , Jawza F. Alsabhan, Ghada A Bawazeer, Lobna Al Juffali, Hadeel Alkofide, Rihaf Alfaraj, Nora Alkhudair, Raniah Aljadeed , Rana Aljadeed

Highlights
• Observational, analytical cross-sectional study on COVID-19 survivors.
• High prevalence of long COVID-19 among COVID-19 survivors in Saudi Arabia.
• Severe symptoms and hospitalization correlated with presence of comorbidities.

Background
This study explores the prevalence, risk factors, and impact of long COVID-19 among COVID-19 survivors in Saudi Arabia.

Methods
A cross-sectional study involving 486 COVID-19 survivors was conducted. Participants were confirmed via PCR testing and enrolled from November 2020 to December 2020.

Results
The study found a high prevalence of long COVID symptoms, with 61% of participants reporting persistent symptoms. The prevalence was similar across demographic factors: 43% were aged 18-30 years, 71% were female, and 30% had comorbidities. The most common symptoms included fatigue (56%), breathlessness (47%), loss of smell (44%), and muscle aches (40%), alongside digestive issues, chest pain, headaches, tachycardia, joint pain, and skin problems.

Conclusion
This study underscores the significance of understanding long COVID's impact on individuals' health and quality of life. It highlights the necessity for further research to guide healthcare strategies and support COVID-19 survivors in Saudi Arabia.

Link | PDF (IJID Regions) [Open Access]

 

I can’t find much about how long they were sick for.

The data was collected through an online survey, so there’s plenty of room for bias.