Predictors of Post-COVID-19 Recovery: A Single-Center Study

Background: The average duration of recovery time in COVID-19 patients after contracting can be affected by various factors. Understanding the average duration of recovery time is important in formulating preventive measures/interventions. This study aims to assess predictors of post-COVID-19 recovery. Methods: This observational longitudinal study was conducted among COVID-19 patients admitted to Vasei Hospital in Sabzevar, Iran in 2021. Data were extracted from the Hospital Information System. COVID-19 Experiences (COVEX) questionnaire was used to assess the type and severity of symptoms. Patients who were admitted to the hospital were assessed at baseline and were followed up one month and two months after discharge through telephone calls. Chi-square test was used to examine the association between demographic variables, clinical variables, disease symptoms, and time to recovery. Results: A total of 250 COVID-19 cases were followed up for 30 and 60 days after discharge. The mean duration of recovery from COVID-19 was significantly higher in women, old patients, those with higher BMI, cases without physical activity, those with severe chest CT scan results, patients with severe diseases, and those who were discharged after 30 days (P-Value< 0.05). Patients with dry cough and chest pain were less likely to make a full recovery after 30 days. The cases with dry cough, headache, dyspnea, and chest pain were less likely to make a full recovery after 60 days than those without (P-Value< 0.05). Conclusion: Health providers in healthcare centers should give priority to high-risk groups (e.g. those with severe chest radiography results, and those with severe disease severity). The presence of dry cough and chest pain was found to be a risk factor for delayed recovery. Initial assessment of COVID-19 patients, such as chest CT scans, can predict the severity of the disease and unfavorable outcomes. Moreover, it seems the management of comorbidities can play a vital role in recovery from COVID-19.