Exploring the prevalence and factors associated with post-acute COVID syndrome in Egypt: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Post-COVID-19 survivors may experience long-term symptoms known as Post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS). The PCAS symptom spectrum includes a wide range of symptoms affecting different organs. The prevalence and risk factors of PACS may vary across different regions, and a meta-analysis focused on Egypt can help understand the national prevalence and unique population-specific predictors. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines to identify studies published in Egypt that documented symptoms, signs, and post-COVID-19 outcomes in patient cohorts. The results were reported, based on the random effects model, as proportions (%) and odds ratios with 95% CI. Results A total of 16 studies with 3097 COVID-19 survivors and an age range of 3 to 94 years were included in the analysis. The pooled prevalence of COVID-19 survivors experiencing at least one persistent symptom, regardless of hospitalization status, was high at 78.3%. A total of 54 clinical symptoms or conditions were reported among the survivors. The most commonly reported symptom was fatigue, which affected approximately half of all survivors (48.1%). Bone ache or myalgia, anorexia, anxiety, dyspnea, and depression were also among the most frequently reported symptoms at 32.9%, 32.8, 31.5, 19.9, and 19.5, respectively. The pooled prevalence of Post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis (PCPF) among hospitalized Covid survivors was 40%. The study found that female sex, severe COVID, and the presence of any comorbidity were independent risk factors for PACS ( P < 0.05). Conclusion This meta-analysis of 16 studies conducted in Egypt highlights the high prevalence of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome. The high prevalence of Post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis and psychological disorders, particularly anxiety and depression, is a cause for concern. There was also a single report on post-COVID diabetes mellitus, stroke, migraine, and coagulative ocular disorders that need further investigation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis conducted at a national level to determine the prevalence and predictors of post-COVID syndrome. Larger studies with a longer follow-up period are still needed to confirm these findings and explore other potential risk factors and modifiers of the Post-COVID syndrome.