Scholarlink

Background <p>As the COVID-19 pandemic transitions to an endemic phase, long COVID symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection have emerged as a new global health challenge. However, its impact on university students remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of long COVID symptoms and identify its predictive factors.</p> Methods <p>A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to August 2023 among Thai university students in Chiang Mai. An online questionnaire collected data on demographics, COVID-19 history, vaccination, and health status. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with long COVID.</p> Results <p>A total of 997 students participated (60.5% female, mean age 20.6 years). Of these, 60.9% had received at least three COVID-19 vaccine doses, and 21.4% had received more than three mRNA vaccine doses. The prevalence of long COVID symptoms was 21.9% (<i>n</i> = 218). Common symptoms included respiratory issues (54.6%), neurological complaints (50.4%), psychological symptoms (42.7%), and poor sleep quality (34.9%). Significant predictors of long COVID included severe initial infection (aOR = 15.3; 95% CI: 5.3–44.3; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001), longer illness duration (aOR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.0-1.1; <i>p</i> = 0.031), and poor sleep quality (aOR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.4–3.1). Each additional dose of mRNA vaccine reduced the likelihood of severe outcomes by 14% (aOR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.8-1.0; <i>p</i> = 0.044).</p> Conclusion <p>A minority of Thai university students reported long COVID symptoms. Vaccination, especially with multiple mRNA doses, was linked to reduced risk. Early detection and targeted support during recovery may help mitigate long-term health consequences in this group.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

The hidden burden: prevalence and risk factors of long COVID among university students in Chiang Mai, Thailand

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2025年11月24日

查看全文
  • Pheerasak Assavanopakun,
  • Suphapich Wangkawong,
  • Wuttipat Kiratipaisarl,
  • Wachiranun Sirikul,
  • Tharntip Promkutkao,
  • Suchat Promkutkeo,
  • Amornphat Kitro

摘要

Background

As the COVID-19 pandemic transitions to an endemic phase, long COVID symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection have emerged as a new global health challenge. However, its impact on university students remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of long COVID symptoms and identify its predictive factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to August 2023 among Thai university students in Chiang Mai. An online questionnaire collected data on demographics, COVID-19 history, vaccination, and health status. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with long COVID.

Results

A total of 997 students participated (60.5% female, mean age 20.6 years). Of these, 60.9% had received at least three COVID-19 vaccine doses, and 21.4% had received more than three mRNA vaccine doses. The prevalence of long COVID symptoms was 21.9% (n = 218). Common symptoms included respiratory issues (54.6%), neurological complaints (50.4%), psychological symptoms (42.7%), and poor sleep quality (34.9%). Significant predictors of long COVID included severe initial infection (aOR = 15.3; 95% CI: 5.3–44.3; p < 0.001), longer illness duration (aOR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.0-1.1; p = 0.031), and poor sleep quality (aOR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.4–3.1). Each additional dose of mRNA vaccine reduced the likelihood of severe outcomes by 14% (aOR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.8-1.0; p = 0.044).

Conclusion

A minority of Thai university students reported long COVID symptoms. Vaccination, especially with multiple mRNA doses, was linked to reduced risk. Early detection and targeted support during recovery may help mitigate long-term health consequences in this group.