The symptoms of COVID-19 and the post-COVID-19 impact on health among workers in Hail Region hospitals, KSA

Abstract

Background: Data concerning symptoms of COVID-19 infection and health status of hospital workers post infection are limited. Thus, the current study aims to explore the symptoms of COVID-19 infection and the post effect of COVID-19 infection on health among hospital workers in Hail region.

Method: Cross-sectional data included 350 hospital workers (physicians, nurses, Specialist non physicians. Manager, workers) working in Hail, Saudi Arabia, who were infected with corona various. Demographic, anthropometrics, and health related data were collected via an online survey that was distributed using online google forms. Results: Less than one percent (0.60%) of hospital workers reported severe critical symptoms of COVID-19 infection. The most common reported symptoms during COVID-19 infection were fever (43.7%) and tiredness (25.9%), while the most reported uncommon symptoms during COVID-19 infection were anosmia (35.1%) and headache (32.0%). The most reported symptoms that continued after recovery from COVID-19 infection were anosmia (13.7%), tiredness, and dry cough (8.00%, for both). Sixty-two percent of hospital workers (n= 217) reported increased time spent on resting after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, whereas 60.0% (n= 210) and 43.1% (n= 151) of hospital workers reported increased financial stress and stress from home, respectively. About half of the sample (48.3%, n= 169) reported feeling anxious, terrified, and helpless during the COVID-19 pandemic, while 24.0% (n= 84) and 46.6% (n= 163) of hospital workers reported getting support from friends and family members during the pandemic, respectively. An increase in the need to share feelings with family members and others during the pandemic was reported by 43.1% (n= 151) and 23.4% (n= 82) of hospital workers, respectively. Most of the sample (71.1%, n= 249) were interested in lifestyle changes related to mental health during COVID-19 pandemic.  Model exploring common symptoms during COVID-19 infection indicated that BMI of hospital workers increase the odds of experiencing breathing difficulty, lethargy, and fever. In addition, male workers have lower odds of experiencing dry cough, breathing difficulty, and headache compared to female workers. Data concerning symptoms that continued after recovery from COVID-19 infection indicated that the BMI of hospital workers increase the odds of experiencing fever, whereas male workers have lower odds of experiencing anosmia, dry cough, hair loss, tiredness, and dyspnea. 

Conclusion:  The results of the study showed that Age, gender, and weight status of hospital workers are linked to symptoms and health status post-COVID-19 infection. The hospital workers experience a range of psychological and emotional effects, from anxiety to psychological distress, after recovering from the virus or the COVID-19 effect.