Cognitive and psychiatric symptom trajectories 2-3 years post-COVID-19 hospitalisation: a longitudinal prospective cohort study
Abstract
Background COVID-19 is known to be associated with increased risks of cognitive and psychiatric outcomes. However, whether these symptoms can emerge or persist beyond the first year post-infection, what early aspects of the COVID-19 illness predict them, and how they relate to occupational functioning remain unknown. This study aimed to answer these questions. Methods The Post-hospitalisation COVID-19 study (PHOSP-COVID) is a prospective, longitudinal cohort study of adults hospitalised with COVID-19 across the UK. Between 2 and 3 years post-hospitalisation, a subset of participants completed a computerised cognitive test, and clinical scales for subjective cognitive decline, depression, anxiety, and fatigue. We evaluated how the absolute risks of these symptoms evolved between the 6-month, 12-month, and 2-3-year follow-ups and whether symptoms at 2-3 years were predicted by earlier aspects of the COVID-19 illness. Additionally, we assessed whether participants changed their occupation, if so why, and which symptoms at 2-3 years were associated with occupational changes. Findings 475 participants provided data at the 2-3 years follow-up (mean [SD] age 58.3 [11.1] years, 40.2% female, 59.8% male). Participants had worse cognitive scores than would be expected for their sociodemographic characteristics, across all cognitive domains tested (average score 0.71 SD below the mean, IQR: 0.16–1.04 SD). Most participants reported at least mild depression, anxiety, fatigue, and…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 475 participants or records.
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