Organic and psychiatric symptoms of “Long COVID” among Tunisian patients: a cross sectional study

Introduction Long COVID is a condition characterized by long-term health problems persisting or appearing after the typical recovery period of COVID-19. Physical symptoms such as respiratory, neurological and musculoskeletal complaints were initially described in foreground. A little after, psychological disorders have been widely reported. Objectives The aim this study was to screen for somatic anxio-depressive COVID. Methods cross sectional descriptive included patients consulting within minimum 1 month COVID-19 infection. It conducted at Taher Sfar university hospital Mahdia over one year from March 2020 2021. questionnaire physical examination used look Hospital Anxiety Depression scale (HAD) disorders. Results We recruited 137 patients. median age 60 years with sex ratio M/F 0.073. Obesity most frequent comorbidity (36%) followed diabetes (35%) hypertension (32%). More than quarter hospitalized (30%) during acute phase, while others (70%) confined home. stay duration home 10 days extremes ranging 0 21 days. post-COVID dyspnea, mood disorders, myalgia, arthralgia, dry cough, sleep anorexia 45%, 30%, 20%, 16%, 15% 14% cases, respectively. Pulmonary auscultation normal 86% our patients, we noted crackles, ronchi wheezing among 9%, 1% oxygen saturation 97% range 93 99%. majority (120) had more 95% ambient air. HAD score situated 19 [8, 33]. Anxio-depressive present 61% cases. severe depression 24% anxiety 28% them. Conclusions Our highlighted high prevalence (62%) which exeeds literature. systematic use consultants could be explanation. Thus, screening support should considered when managing having history Citizens comply relevant legal provisions making vaccination compulsory it found that reduced long risk. Disclosure Interest None Declared