Long COVID in the UAE: symptomatology, gender gaps, and health implications among COVID-19 survivors

Abstract Background A growing number of COVID-19 survivors are experiencing symptoms post-SARS-CoV-2 infection, known as long COVID. It is a new multisystem condition and understanding its associated factors and its impact on individuals is crucial. This study aims to characterize long COVID in previously hospitalized patients in the UAE, identifying associated factors and assessing its impact on patients’ daily lives. Methods A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted in hospitals in Dubai and Sharjah from January 29, 2020 to October 14, 2021, involving RT-PCR confirmed cases. Clinical, epidemiologic, and long COVID data were collected via hospital records and phone interviews. Results Long COVID affected 48.7% of 533 patients, with 46.6% prevalence persisting over a year. A total of 43 symptoms across 11 organ systems were reported. Females had 1.83 times higher odds of long COVID (95% CI [1.22, 2.74], p = 0.003). Each additional initial symptom (AOR = 1.22, 95% CI [1.05, 1.40], p = 0.008), ICU admission (AOR = 1.77, 95% CI [1.06, 2.98], p = 0.030), and ≥ 2 comorbidities (AOR = 2.19, 95% CI [1.09, 4.40], p = 0.027) increased the odds of long COVID. Long COVID significantly impacted daily life, with poorer health ratings (AOR = 5.576, 95% CI [3.029, 10.265], p < .001), worse health status (AOR = 7.842, 95% CI [4.954, 12.415], p < .001), and work limitations due to physical (AOR = 4.808, 95% CI [3.229, 7.158], p < .001) and emotional issues (AOR = 3.149, 95% CI [2.01, 4.933], p < .001). This impact persisted beyond 12 months post-infection. Conclusions Long COVID presents prolonged multisystem involvement and substantial disability among survivors, necessitating further research to understand its lasting effects and intervention development to mitigate its impact Key messages • Long COVID poses a substantial challenge to public health in the UAE, affecting almost half of hospitalized survivors and extending its impact beyond 12 months post-infection. • Risk factors like gender initial symptoms, ICU stay, and comorbidities increase the risk of long COVID, warranting the need for tailored interventions and support strategies for vulnerable populations.