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Two-year trajectories of COVID-19 symptoms and their association with illness perception: A prospective cohort study in Amsterdam, the Netherlands
  • +9
  • Elke Wynberg,
  • Anouk Verveen,
  • Hugo van Willigen,
  • Pythia Nieuwkerk,
  • Udi Davidovich,
  • Anja Lok,
  • Menno de Jong,
  • Godelieve de Bree,
  • Tjalling Leenstra,
  • Hans Knoop,
  • Maria Prins,
  • Anders Boyd
Elke Wynberg
Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC

Corresponding Author:elke.wynberg@gmail.com

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Anouk Verveen
Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC
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Hugo van Willigen
Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC
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Pythia Nieuwkerk
Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC
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Udi Davidovich
Public Health Service of Amsterdam
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Anja Lok
Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC
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Menno de Jong
Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC
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Godelieve de Bree
Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC
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Tjalling Leenstra
RIVM
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Hans Knoop
Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC
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Maria Prins
Public Health Service of Amsterdam
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Anders Boyd
Public Health Service of Amsterdam
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Abstract

Background We used data from a prospective cohort to explore two-year trajectories of “long COVID” (persistent symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection) and their association with illness perception. Methods RECoVERED participants (adults; prospectively enrolled following laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, May 2020-June 2021) completed symptom questionnaires at months 2-12, 18 and 24, and the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ) at months 1, 6, and 12. Using group-based trajectory models (GBTM), we modelled symptoms (mean total numbers and proportion with 4 specific complaints), including age, sex, BMI and timing of infection as covariates. In a multivariable linear mixed-effects model, we assessed the association between symptom trajectories and repeated B-IPQ scores. Results Among 292 participants (42% female; median age 51 [IQR=36-62]), four trajectories were identified, ranging from Trajectory 4 (8.9%; 6+ symptoms) to Trajectory 1 (24.8%; no symptoms). The occurrence of fatigue and myalgia increased among 23% and 12% of participants, respectively. Individuals in Trajectory 4 experienced more negative adjusted B-IPQ scores over time than those in Trajectories 1-3. Conclusions We observed little fluctuation in the total number of symptoms but individual symptoms may develop as others resolve. Reporting a greater number of symptoms was congruent with more negative illness perception over time.
05 Jul 2023Submitted to Influenza and other respiratory viruses
06 Jul 2023Submission Checks Completed
06 Jul 2023Assigned to Editor
07 Jul 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
28 Jul 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
30 Jul 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
05 Aug 20231st Revision Received
09 Aug 2023Submission Checks Completed
09 Aug 2023Assigned to Editor
09 Aug 2023Editorial Decision: Accept