Prevalence and Determinants of Long-Term Post-COVID Conditions in the United States: 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

Background

A significant proportion of COVID survivors experience lingering and debilitating symptoms following acute COVID-19 infection. According to the national research plan on long COVID, it is a national priority to identify the prevalence of post-COVID conditions and their associated factors.

Method

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of the Prevention Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) 2022, the largest continuously gathered health survey dataset worldwide by the Centers for Disease Control. After identifying individuals with a positive history of COVID-19, we grouped COVID-19 survivors based on whether they experienced long-term post-COVID conditions. Using survey-specific R packages, we compared the two groups' socio-demographics, comorbidities, and lifestyle-related factors. A logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with post-COVID conditions.

Results

The overall estimated prevalence of long-term post-COVID conditions among COVID survivors was 21.7%. Fatigue (5.7%), dyspnea (4.2%), and anosmia/ageusia (3.8%) were the most frequent symptoms. Based on multivariate logistic regression analysis, female sex, body mass index (BMI)≥25, lack of insurance, history of pulmonary disease, depression, and arthritis, being a former smoker, and sleep duration <7 h/d were associated with higher odds of post-COVID conditions. On the other hand, age >64 y/o, Black race, and annual household income ≥$100k were associated with lower odds of post-COVID conditions.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate a notable prevalence of post-COVID conditions, particularly among middle-aged women and individuals with comorbidities or adverse lifestyles. This high-risk demographic may require long-term follow-up and support. Further investigations are essential to facilitate the development of specified healthcare and therapeutic strategies for those suffering from post-COVID conditions.