Cognitive Failures, Private Self-Awareness and Quality of Life in Post-COVID-19 Adults

Abstract This study aimed to describe the perceived levels of cognitive failures, private self-awareness, and quality of life in post-COVID-19 Brazilian adults; investigate the sociodemographic and clinical predictors of these cognitive and psychological outcomes in the post-COVID-19 group; as well as compare these variables between post-COVID-19 adults and controls. A cross-sectional study with an online survey ( N = 391) was conducted. Cognitive Failures Questionnaire, Self-Reflection and Insight Scale and World Health Organization Quality of Life assessment were used to access cognitive and psychological dimensions. Shapiro-Wilk test was conducted to verify data distribution. One-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis examined associations. Multiple linear regression tested association between sociodemographic and clinical variables with cognitive failures, self-reflection, insight and quality of life. Independent t-test and Mann-Whitney U test compared groups. Most participants reported perceived worsening in memory, followed by attention, quality of life, self-reflection, and insight. Gender, psychiatric conditions and quantity of symptoms were significantly associated with higher levels of cognitive complaints in COVID-19 survivors. Post-COVID-19 adults presented significantly higher perceived levels of cognitive failures compared to control group, especially non-binary individuals and women. The present study suggests that specific sociodemographic and clinical factors are linked to the perceived cognitive and psychological long-term negative effects post-COVID-19. Interventions should develop an inclusive approach that considers the specific needs of gender-diverse populations, individuals with pre-existing psychiatric conditions, those with lower income, and individuals with greater number of symptoms, since these factors were significantly associated with one or more adverse cognitive and psychological outcomes.