A Study to Assess the Prevalence of Post Covid Symptoms among Covid affected people in a selected rural community, Kottayam Kerala
Joseena SVM1, Abhitha Balakrishnan2, Aleena Cyril2, Anjaly Roy2, Jesnamol Saji2,
Rohitha R2, Stephen Thomas2, Surya Mol PR2
1Professor, Little Lourdes College of Nursing, Kidangoor, Kerala.
2Third Year B. Sc. Nursing Students, Little Lourdes College of Nursing, Kidangoor, Kerala.
*Corresponding Author E-mail: josenasvm@gmail.com
ABSTRACT:
The present study was conducted to assess the prevalence of post covid symptoms among covid affected people in a selected rural community, Kottayam, Kerala. Although many patients are recovering from this illness, the concern regarding Post COVID-19 complications still prevails1. The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of post covid symptoms among the selected population. Non probability convenient sampling technique was used to select samples from the covid affected people after 3 months of initial attack. Method of study was descriptive survey method. The study sample consists of 30 patients above 18 years who belongs to the 4th ward of Kidangoor panchayath, Kottayam. The tool for data collection was semi structured questionnaire. The content validity of the tool was evaluated by subject experts and the pilot study was conducted to assess the feasibility of the study. The final data obtained were tabulated and analyzed by descriptive statistics. The instrument is a semi structured questionnaire which consist of two sections for collecting demographic data of post covid patients including age, sex, educational status, type of family, family history of co-morbidities, history of smoking and data regarding prevalence of post covid complications. The final study revealed that in demographic data among 30 samples 15(50%) were between the age group of 45-60 years, 7(23.33%) were above 60 years, 5(16.66%) were between 35-45 years and 3(10%) were between 19-35 years. In the sample 22 (73.33%) are females and 8(26.66%) are males. The 16(53.33%) are having high school education, 7(23.33%) are graduates, 7(23.33%) are having only primary education. Among 30 samples 25(83.33%) are from nuclear family and 5(16.66%) belongs to joint family. Regarding prevalence of post covid symptoms among covid patients 14(46.66%) were affected with post covid symptoms within 9 months of covid 19 infection. In relation with time period, majority of population 25(83.33%) were affected only once with covid 19.The source of covid 19 is not known to 17(56.66%) of the sample. About 23(76.66%) sample are isolated at home during the covid 19 infection period. Among 30 samples of post covid patients 14(46.66%) were have the major symptom of cough and cold. The entire sample 30(100%) were symptomatic during covid 19 infection. Among 30 samples 14(46.66%) were taken two doses of covid vaccine. Based on the study 11(36.66%) were affected with post covid symptoms after first dose of vaccination. After third dose of vaccination the covid rate was only 1 (3.33%). Based on the study, 9(30%) of post covid patients have amnesia and 8(26.66%) have headache as neurological complications. Around half of the sample 13(43.33%) has breathing difficulty as a respiratory complication after covid 19 infection. Among 30 samples 11(36.66%) were not having any of the musculoskeletal complication and 8(26.66%) were having joint pain. Majority of patients 27(90%) were not hospitalized for managing the post covid symptoms. The duration of post covid symptoms were less than 1 month among 12(40%) of the samples. Among 30 samples 20(66.66%) were taken preventive measures against post covid complications.Based on the study 13(43.33%) has palpitation and 9(30%) were having hypertension as cardiovascular complication. Among 30 samples 10(33.33%) have no interference in daily activities, 15(50%) have interference during heavy work, 3(10%) have interference during late night and 2(6.66%) have always interference in daily activities.Majority of patients 25(83.33%) were not having any co-morbidities during covid 19 infection.The co-morbidities were not aggravated in majority of samples 25(83.33%) after covid 19 infection.
KEYWORDS: Assess, Covid-19 pandemic, Socio-Demographic Variables.
INTRODUCTION:
World health organization declared Covid-19 pandemic on 30 January 2020.Adaptations to human infections, easy way of transmission and absence of immunity made the Covid-19 highly contagious in nature. The COVID-19 caused physical, psychological, economical and social impact on general population2. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is defined as an illness caused by a novel coronavirus, now called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2; formerly called 2019-nCoV).3 In March 2020, globally over 16,000 people died and more than 3, 75,000 were infected. The Covid-19 spread to more than 210 countries.4 Corona virus is a group of viruses that cause diseases in mammals and birds. The name corona virus is derived from the Latin word corona meaning “Crown” or “Halo” which refers to the characteristic’s appearance reminiscent of a crown or a solar corona around virions (virus particles)5. Among source control measures, respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette, developed during the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak, is now considered as part of standard precaution6. A rapid increase in the COVID cases and its debilitating impact on the psychological health necessitates an empirical investigation to explore the prevalence and determinants of psychological distress7 post-covid syndrome is defined by the national institute for health and care excellence (NICE) as signs and symptoms that develop during or after an infection constituent with covid-19 which continue for more than 12 weeks and are not explained by an alternating diagnosis.8
While the leading symptoms during covid-19 are acute and majority of patients fully recover, a significant fraction of patient now increasingly experience long term health problems. Significant events like the Covid-19 pandemic can increase stress and anxiety.9 Majority of pupils dealt with stress, fear, anxiety, depression and worries related to covid 19 pandemic.10 This pandemic condition was associatory with frustrate and irritating impact on online study among the pharm. D students.11
Various follow up studies have reported Lung fibrosis, ARDS, cardiovascular diseases, neurological and neuropsychiatric complications, multiorgan damage, and gastrointestinal complications among recovered COVID-19 patients. There was severe psychological impact due to the pandemic of COVID-19 among the people12. However, most data available are based on health related events after severe infection and hospitalization. The total corona virus cases reported is 2,45,967 out of which 88,465 cases recovered and 10,048 died which gives the mortality rate of 6.37%. The total corona virus cases reported in India is 4.38crore. Out of which 5 died which gives the mortality rate of 2.93% (as of march 2020).Vaccines are the effective interventions that can reduce the high burden of diseases.13 It is the most important public health measure and most effective strategy to protect the population from covid19.Since SARs CoV-2 is highly contagious virus and can affect the population widely and globally.14
The corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has necessitated rapid responses from health care systems and research network globally. Nurses as frontline care providers in hospitals and community are exposed to a major risk15. Post- covid-19 condition risks affecting millions of people worldwide, making it an urgent research priority. Hence the investigators felt the need to conduct a study to assess the prevalence of post covid symptoms among covid affected peoples in a selected rural community.
A study to assess the prevalence of post covid symptoms among covid affected people in a selected rural community, Kottayam, Kerala.
To assess the prevalence of post covid symptoms among the selected rural population.
Assess:
It refers to the observation of occurrence of post covid symptoms among the adult post covid patients.
Prevalence:
It is the presence of post covid symptoms appear among covid patient after a period of 12 weeks of covid infection.
Covid Patient:
Covid patients are those patients who are affected with corona virus.
Post covid symptom:
The post covid syndrome is defined by the National Institute for health and care excellence (NICE) as signs and symptoms that develop during or after an infection consistent with covid-19 which more than 12 weeks and are not explained by an alternating diagnosis.
The study is limited to:
· 30 samples
· patients above 18 years and below 65 years age
· People residing in a selected rural community of Kidangoor panchayath, Kottayam.
The result of the study will provide the researcher a sound basis on the prevalence of post covid symptoms among covid patients, so that they can adopt various preventive measures among patients affected with covid 19 to minimize the effect of post covid symptoms.
A descriptive study to assess the prevalence of co morbidities among individuals with covid-19. A comprehensive systematic search was performed for the analysis of the study. Appropriate statistical test were used for analysis. The study was conducted among 22,7583 covid-19 positive patient population.The primary outcome of the study among the 22,753 covid-19 positive patient population shows that 42.3 % patients were without any chronic co morbid condition ,while 57.7%had one or more co morbidities .Major co morbidities in overall population were CVD-8.9% ,HTN-27.4%,DM -17.4% COPD-7.5%,Cancer-3.5%,CKD-2.6% and others-15.5%.7
In this study, the population is patients after 3 months of covid infection based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.
In the study the sample consist of 30 covid affected patients at the age group of above 18 years after 3 months of initial attack in a selected rural community in Kidangoor panchayath, Kottayam.
Sample size articulated for this study includes 30 post covid patients, from a selected rural community, Kottayam.
INCLUSION CRITERIA:
Post covid patients:
· Aged above 18 years
· After 3 months of covid infections
· Who are interested to participate in research study?
Post covid patients:
· who are less than 18 years of age?
· less than 3 months of covid infection
· who are not interested to participate in research study?
The samples were selected using non probability convenient sampling technique.
The instrument used is semi structured questionnaire.
The data collected after getting a written permission from the principal of Little Lourdes College of nursing. Then the questionnaire is distributed to subject experts to check the validity of the tool. After conforming the validity, the consent was taken from panchayath president of Kidangoor panchayath to collect data from 4th ward of Kidangoor panchayth. After giving a brief information regarding purpose and objectives along with assurance of confidentiality of the study, the samples are selected from home setting. Printed questionnaires are distributed to sample and they were asked to complete it and return back to researcher .Approximately 15-20 minutes were taken to complete each questionnaire.
This section deals with the analysis of demographic variables of samples which includes age sex,educational status ,type of family, family history of co-morbidities, history of smoking and regarding prevalence of post covid complications.
|
Prevalence of post- covid complications |
N |
Percentage (%) |
|
How many times infected with covid19 |
|
|
|
Once |
25 |
83.33% |
|
Twice |
3 |
10% |
|
Thrice |
1 |
3.33% |
|
More than thrice |
1 |
3.33% |
|
Major symptoms |
|
|
|
Cough and cold |
14 |
46.66% |
|
Fever |
12 |
40% |
|
Breathing difficulty |
4 |
13.33% |
|
Existence of co- morbidities during covid-19 |
|
|
|
Yes |
5 |
16.66% |
|
No |
25 |
83.33% |
Table 2: Distribution of Sample According to The Prevalence of Post-Covid Symptoms N=30
|
SL NO |
Sociodemographic variables |
Frequency |
Percentage (%) |
|
1. |
Age 19-35 35-45 45-60 60 above |
3 5 15 7 |
10% 16.66% 50% 23.33% |
|
2. |
Sex Male Female |
8 22 |
26.66% 73.33% |
|
3. |
Education Primary High school Graduates Illiteracy |
7 16 7 0 |
23.33% 53.33% 23.33% 0.01% |
|
4. |
Family Nuclear family Joint family |
25 5 |
83.33% 16.66% |
|
5 |
Smoking Smokers Non-smokers |
3 27 |
13% 87% |
· Based on the study, majority of post covid patients 17(56.66%) are not known the source of infection,5(16.66%) got infection from neighbours,4(13.33%) got infection from family members and 4(13.33%) got
· infection from health care workers.
· Among 30 samples majority of post covid patients 23(76.66%) are isolated at home,4(13.33%) at hospital,3(10%) at corona centre.
· Among 30 samples most of the patients 14 (46.66%) taken two dose of vaccination, 12(40%) were taken three dose of vaccination, 2(6.66%) were taken one dose of covid vaccine and 2 (6.66%) were not taken covid vaccine.
· The study shows that, among 30 samples 10 (33.33%) have no interference in daily activities, 15 (50%) have interference during heavy work, 3 (10%) have interference during late night and 2 (6.66%) have always interference in daily activities.
· Among 30 samples majority of patients, 25 (83.33%) have no existence of co- morbidities during covid-19 and 5(16.66%) have existence of co-morbidities during covid-19. Findings from the table shows that, among 30 samples majority of patients, 25(83.33%) have no aggravation of co- morbidities after covid infection and 5(16.66%) have aggravation of co- morbidities after covid infection.
· Findings from the present study shows that among 30 samples majority of patients 27 (90%) not needed hospitalization for managing post covid symptoms, 3(10%) are hospitalized for managing post covid symptoms
· Based on the study,11 (36.66%) was infected after first dose of vaccination,9 (30%) was infected before vaccination, 9(30%) was infected after second dose of vaccination and 1 (3.33%) were infected after third dose of vaccination.
· Based on the study among 30 samples majority of patients 20 (66.66%) taken preventive measures against post covid complication, 10 (33.33%) not take preventive measures against post covid complications.
· Among 30 samples majority of patients, 25 (83.33%) have no existence of co- morbidities during covid-19 and 5(16.66%) have existence of co- morbidities during covid-19.
ANALYSIS OF POST COVID COMPLICATIONS:
System wise analysis of post-covid complications are done and are given in form of appropriate diagrams:
Based on the study among 30 samples majority of patients 13(43.33%) have palpitations, 9(305) having hypertension, 7 (23.33%) having chest pain and
1(3.33%) having other complications.
Figure 2: Distribution of sample according to musculoskeletal complications
Figure 3: Distribution of sample according to ENT complications
· Based on the study among 30 samples majority of post covid patients 14 (46.66%) have breathing difficulty, 12 (40%) have no ENT complications, 2(6.66%) other ENT complications, 1(3.33%) have sore throat and 1 (3.33%) have anosmia.
Figure 4: Distribution Of Sample According To Respiratory Complications
· Based on the study among 30 samples majority of patients 13(43.33%) have breathing difficulty, (23.33%) have cough, 6(20%) has no other respiratory complication and 4 (13.33%) have chest pain.
NURSING IMPLICATIONS:
Nursing Education:
Today the nursing professional need to have sufficient knowledge regarding covid 19 vaccination which can prevent the further prevalence of covid 19 among public. The research adds better knowledges to the body of knowledge of nursing profession which helps to expand knowledge of nursing students. Nursing educator should teach the students and public about the precautions like hand washing, wearing mask, social distancing,
As a vital part of health team nurse can do greater contribution in improving health status of covid 19 affected patients. Proper management and follow up will decrease the incidence of post covid symptoms among the population. Because the nurse performs a key role in providing accurate care to covid 19 affected populations. She can help by providing proper education.
The nurse administrator can motivate staffs and students to teach covid 19 appropriate behaviours to the patients under care and formulate polices to prevent the infection.
Research is the major factor in changing practice, education and policy. Nurse should take initiative to conduct research regarding various aspects of covid-19 appropriate behaviors among general public.
· A similar study can be conducted with a larger sample so that the findings can be generalized
· A similar study can be conducted in between the urban and rural population
· The study can be conducted among other age groups with large of samples
The study is limited to;
· People residing in Kidangoor panchayath.
· Small number of 30 samples which limits generalization.
· Particular time period after 3 months.
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Received on 06.12.2023 Revised on 24.06.2024 Accepted on 30.09.2024 Published on 18.02.2025 Available online from March 10, 2025 Int. J. of Advances in Nursing Management. 2025;13(1):5-10. DOI: 10.52711/2454-2652.2025.00002 ©A and V Publications All right reserved
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