Psychological problems and reduced health-related quality of life in the COVID-19 survivors

Background: COVID-19 survivors are predicted to experience the long-term consequences, including pulmonary, neurologic, cardiovascular, and mental health sequelae. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed on studies assessing the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychiatric problems in COVID-19 survivors.

Methods: A systematic search was performed on PubMed, Embase, and Google scholar databases using key terms COVID-19, PTSD, depression, anxiety, HRQoL, survivors. Pooled estimates were calculated using the random-effects models.

Results: A total of 21 eligible articles were included. The pooled prevalence of PTSD, depression, and anxiety among COVID-19 survivors were 18% (95% CI: 13 to 23%, I²=88.23%), 12% (8 to 17%, I²=91.84%), and 17% (12 to 22%, I²=97.07%), respectively. COVID-19 survivors compared to pre-COVID-19 time and controls showed reduced HRQoL and a lower score in Social Functioning (SF) and Role Physical (RP), and Role Emotional (RE) health. Females compared to males had a higher risk of experiencing mental health problems. Also, patients with severe disease had a higher prevalence of depression and anxiety, but not PTSD.

Limitations: Regarding HRQoL, we were not able to perform a subgroup analysis due to a lack of data. Also, the included studies mainly used a self-rating scale to detect psychological problems in their study population.

Conclusion: A significant number of patients who survived from COVID-19 might suffer from PTSD, depression, and anxiety beyond one month. Our systematic review also found evidence of reduced HQOL and limited social role in these survivors.