Clinical Spectrum and Factors Associated to Post Covid Syndrome in Healthcare Workers

Background:Post-COVID Syndrome (PCS) is a newly recognized condition reported by approximately 45% of individuals following COVID-19 infection. This syndrome is estimated to affect the health-related quality of life in 10–30% of affected individuals. Objective:To examine the characteristics of Post-COVID Syndrome among healthcare workers at Adam Malik Hospital. Methods:This study employed a cross-sectional descriptive design. Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to healthcare workers at Adam Malik Hospital who had contracted COVID-19 between 2020 and 2022. Results:A total of 120 participants were included in the study. The sample was predominantly female (78.3%), with the youngest age group (19–30 years) comprising 37.5% of participants. Most participants had direct exposure to patient care (78.3%) and were confirmed COVID-19 positive in 2021 (42.5%). Notably, 45.0% of participants were unvaccinated, 20.9% had a history of hospitalization, and 78.3% experienced mild COVID-19 infections. Hypertension was identified as the most common comorbidity. Participants were categorized as experiencing Acute PCS (43.9%) or Chronic PCS (56.1%), with both groups exhibiting similar predominant symptoms, including fatigue, persistent cough, memory impairment, and cognitive difficulties. Statistically significant associations were identified between PCS and variables such as sex (p=0.004, OR=0.27), age (p=0.015, OR=4.46), severity of prior COVID-19 infection (p=0.040, OR=1.77), vaccination status (p<0.001, OR=3.82), and the presence of comorbidities (p=0.025, OR=2.53). Conclusion:Post-COVID Syndrome is characterized by multifactorial etiologies and heterogeneous clinical manifestations. Factors such as gender, age, vaccination status, comorbid conditions, and severity of prior infections were significantly associated with PCS outcomes. Gender-related differences, potentially influenced by immune response, hormonal mechanisms, and antibody production, appear to contribute to variations in PCS manifestations. These findings underscore the need for further research to elucidate the epidemiology, clinical presentations, and pathological mechanisms underlying this emerging post-viral condition. Keywords:Post-COVID Syndrome; healthcare workers; COVID-19; clinical manifestations; post-viral sequelae