Article,
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Multitype Post-COVID Pain in a Cohort of Previously Hospitalized COVID-19 Survivors: A Danish Cross-Sectional Survey
Affiliations
- [1] Aalborg University [NORA names: AAU Aalborg University; University; Denmark; Europe, EU; Nordic; OECD];
- [2] Aalborg University Hospital [NORA names: North Denmark Region; Hospital; Denmark; Europe, EU; Nordic; OECD];
- [3] Universidad Complutense de Madrid [NORA names: Spain; Europe, EU; OECD];
- [4] Universidad Rey Juan Carlos [NORA names: Spain; Europe, EU; OECD];
- [5] Aarhus University Hospital [NORA names: Central Denmark Region; Hospital; Denmark; Europe, EU; Nordic; OECD];
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Abstract
This population-based study investigated the prevalence of de novo, multitype, post-coronavirus disease (COVID) pain and its associated risk factors in previously hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors. The nationwide, cross-sectional study included a cohort of Danish residents previously hospitalized due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection between March 2020 and December 2021. Demographic data, preexisting medical comorbidities, previous pain-related symptoms, medication use for pain management, pain intensity (4-point scale), and development of de novo, multitype, post-COVID pain were collected by a self-reported survey distributed via e-Boks (a secured national digital mail system used in Denmark to provide public information to residents). The sample comprised 4,712 previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors (48.6% women, mean age: 60.1 ± 15.6 years). At the time of the study (21 ± 6 months after hospitalization), 18.0% (847) reported the presence of de novo, multitype, post-COVID pain, and 38.6% of any pain. A multivariate analysis revealed that female sex (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.711, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.444–2.023), higher body mass index (OR 1.032, 95% CI 1.019–1.045), intensive care unit admission (OR 1.597, 95% CI 1.324–1.926), previous history of whiplash (OR 2.471, 95% CI 1.004–6.081), anxiety (OR 3.626, 95% CI 1.335–9.708), and younger age (OR .982, 95% CI .976–.987) were factors associated with development of de novo, multitype, post-COVID pain. High income (OR .635, 95% CI .494–.817) and high educational level (OR .774, 95% CI .609–.984) were protective factors. In conclusion, multitype pain as a de novo post-COVID symptom was present in 18.0% of previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors more than 1 year after hospital discharge and as such can be considered as adding to the global burden of chronic pain. Perspective: The study investigates the prevalence of de novo, multitype, post-COVID pain in previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors. This article presents potential risk factors associated with developing new pain symptoms. The results will contribute to understanding the possibility of predicting postinfectious pain from COVID-19 for future analysis.