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

• Published in: The Journal of infectious diseases 2022-04
• Main Authors: Chen, Chen, Haupert, Spencer R, Zimmermann, Lauren, Shi, Xu, Fritsche, Lars G, Mukherjee, Bhramar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Major
• ISSN: 0022-1899; 1537-6613
• DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac136

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