Global Prevalence of Post-Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Condition or Long COVID: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: This study aims to examine the worldwide prevalence of post-coronavirus disease 2019 (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: Fifty studies were included, and 41 were meta-analyzed. Global estimated pooled prevalence of post-COVID-19 condition was 0.43 (95% confidence interval [CI],. 39-.46). Hospitalized and nonhospitalized patients had estimates of 0.54 (95% CI,. 44-.63) and 0.34 (95% CI,. 25-.46), respectively. Regional prevalence estimates were Asia (0.51; 95% CI,. 37-.65), Europe (0.44; 95% CI,. 32-.56), and United States of America (0.31; 95% CI,. 21-.43). Global prevalence for 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after infection were estimated to be 0.37 (95% CI,. 26-.49), 0.25 (95% CI,. 15-.38), 0.32 (95% CI,. 14-.57), and 0.49 (95% CI,. 40-.59), respectively. Fatigue was the most common symptom reported with a prevalence of 0.23 (95% CI,. 17-.30), followed by memory problems (0.14; 95% CI,. 10-.19). Conclusions: This study finds post-COVID-19 condition prevalence is substantial; the health effects of COVID-19 seem to be prolonged and can exert stress on the healthcare system.