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. 2022 Apr 16:jiac136. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiac136

Global Prevalence of Post COVID-19 Condition or Long COVID: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Chen Chen 1,*, Spencer R Haupert 1,*, Lauren Zimmermann 1,2,, Xu Shi 1, Lars G Fritsche 1,3,4, Bhramar Mukherjee 1,2,3,4,5,
PMCID: PMC9047189  PMID: 35429399

Abstract

Introduction

This study aims to examine the worldwide prevalence of post COVID-19 condition, through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and iSearch were searched on July 5, 2021 with verification extending to March 13, 2022. Using a random effects framework with DerSimonian-Laird estimator, we meta-analyzed post COVID-19 condition prevalence at 28+ days from infection.

Results

50 studies were included, and 41 were meta-analyzed. Global estimated pooled prevalence of post COVID-19 condition was 0.43 (95% CI: 0.39,0.46). Hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients have estimates of 0.54 (95% CI: 0.44,0.63) and 0.34 (95% CI: 0.25,0.46), respectively. Regional prevalence estimates were Asia— 0.51 (95% CI: 0.37,0.65), Europe— 0.44 (95% CI: 0.32,0.56), and North America— 0.31 (95% CI: 0.21,0.43). Global prevalence for 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after infection were estimated to be 0.37 (95% CI: 0.26,0.49), 0.25 (95% CI: 0.15,0.38), 0.32 (95% CI: 0.14,0.57) and 0.49 (95% CI: 0.40,0.59), respectively. Fatigue was the most common symptom reported with a prevalence of 0.23 (95% CI: 0.17,0.30), followed by memory problems (0.14 [95% CI: 0.10,0.19]).

Discussion

This study finds post COVID-19 condition prevalence is substantial; the health effects of COVID-19 appear to be prolonged and can exert stress on the healthcare system.

Keywords: epidemiology, infectious diseases, post COVID-19 condition, PASC, Long-COVID

Supplementary Material

jiac136_Supplementary_Data

Associated Data

This section collects any data citations, data availability statements, or supplementary materials included in this article.

Supplementary Materials

jiac136_Supplementary_Data

Articles from The Journal of Infectious Diseases are provided here courtesy of Oxford University Press

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