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. 2025 Jan 13;83(1):6.
doi: 10.1186/s13690-024-01492-1.

Health symptoms and associated factors in times of a pandemic: a population-based study

J Gerbecks  1   2 , C Plevier  3 , C J Yzermans  4 , M L A Dückers  4 , C Baliatsas  4
Affiliations

Health symptoms and associated factors in times of a pandemic: a population-based study

J Gerbecks et al. Arch Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: Non-specific symptoms, such as headaches and sleep problems, are more common after disasters. They can become chronic, and impact emotional and physical functioning. However, limited research has focused on such symptoms in the context of a pandemic. This study investigated the association between perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and prevalence, duration, and severity of health symptoms.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey using validated questionnaires was conducted shortly after the first COVID-19 wave in 2020, with nearly 46,000 adult participants from Utrecht, the Netherlands. Negative binomial regression analyses were performed to assess the relationship between pandemic-related factors and symptom reports, adjusting for demographics, chronic conditions, lifestyle, and socio-economic status.

Results: Perceived impact of the pandemic on stress levels, loneliness, anxiety and depression was consistently and significantly associated with symptom report, duration, and perceived severity. Incidence rate ratio's (IRR) varied from 1.17 to 1.29. Delayed care during the pandemic was associated with severity of symptoms (IRR = 1.63; 99% confidence intervals (CI): 1.20-2.20). People that (suspected) got COVID-19 infected were at higher risk of symptom report, duration, and perceived severity (IRR around 1.20-1.28).

Conclusion: As with other disasters, the perceived impact of an immediate threat such as a pandemic can influence health symptoms, independent of health or socio-demographic factors. Understanding symptom patterns and risk factors can assist healthcare professionals and policymakers in identifying vulnerable groups, symptoms profiles, and improving care and support during and after pandemics.

Keywords: COVID-19; Health symptoms; Non-specific symptoms; Pandemic.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: Participation in the GGD Health Monitor was voluntary. Consent to participate and handle all provided data was given by the respondent by completing the questionnaire. Article 9(2)(i) of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which permits the processing of sensitive individual information when necessary for reasons of public interest in the area of public health. Consent for publication: By completing the questionnaire, all respondents consented to participate and for the researchers to publicate any results. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

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