Chronic Dyspnea in Iranian COVID-19 Recovered Patients: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: Chronic dyspnea is one of the most prevalent symptoms of post-COVID syndrome. For healthcare professionals and those involved in rehabilitating COVID-19 survivors, organized, evidence-based information resources can be highly effective in improving the quality of care programs. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of chronic dyspnea and its associated factors among Iranian patients who have recovered from COVID-19, with at least three months having passed since their hospital discharge. Methods: This retrospective analytical study, conducted in 2023, included 400 participants selected through simple random sampling at Imam Hossein Hospital, affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. Data collection involved a demographic and clinical information checklist and a modified self-administered questionnaire based on the Medical Research Council (MRC) Chronic Dyspnea Scale. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software with a 95% confidence interval (CI = 0.95, p = 0.05), employing chi-square tests and logistic regression to assess potential relationships among study variables associated with chronic dyspnea. Results: The average age of patients was 52.96 years (SD = 14.77, range = 14 to 87). Regarding dyspnea, most patients (247, 61.8%) reported experiencing dyspnea when walking fast or climbing hills. The likelihood of chronic dyspnea increased by 3.1 times with a rise in BMI (P < 0.001), 1.36 times with age (P < 0.001), and decreased with exercise (OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.94, 0.99, P = 0.01). Also, exercise helps reduce shortness of breath, while a history of surgery can increase it due to the weakening of the respiratory muscles. Conclusion: The high prevalence of chronic dyspnea in this population highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and tailored interventions for individuals recovering from COVID-19.