Symptom burden, mental health and quality of life among COVID-associated mucormycosis patients: A prospective cohort study

COVID-associated mucormycosis (CAM) is a severe fungal infection with lasting physical and psychological effects. This prospective cohort of 53 CAM patients evaluated symptom burden, depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), and quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) at baseline, 6 months and 1 year. Facial pain (89%) and headache (87%) were the most common symptoms; depression improved significantly (PHQ-9: 9.7 to 5.4; p < 0.001), while anxiety initially declined but rose again at 1 year. Quality of life improved in physical and psychological domains, whereas social and environmental aspects remained unchanged. Persistent challenges such as dysphagia (33%), voice changes (27%) and appearance concerns (27%) underscore the need for integrated long-term mental health and rehabilitation strategies in CAM care.