Effects of long COVID-19 among young adults in Turkey: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the cognitive state, psychological problems such as depression and anxiety, and pain in the musculoskeletal system among young adults with post-COVID-19 (long COVID) syndrome. Methods: This descriptive study included 361 students studying at the Vocational School of Health Services of Bingöl University in Turkey. Data were collected using the Socio-Demographic Information form, the Beck's Depression Inventory, the Cognitive Appraisal Scale, and the Visual Analogue Scale for pain. Results: Compared to those without COVID-19, the mean depression score, cognitive appraisal score, and mean Visual Analogue Scale score of the young adults with COVID-19 were significantly higher. There was no significant difference in pain assessment at rest between those with COVID-19 and those without COVID-19. Conclusions: Young adults with COVID-19 are more depressed, their cognitive functions are more easily negatively affected, and experience more pain during exercise.