Prevalence of Persistent COVID-19 in Punta Arenas, Magallanes and Chilean Antarctic Region

This cross-sectional observational study aims to determine the prevalence of Persistent COVID-19 in 282 individuals in Punta Arenas, Magallanes and Chilean Antarctic Region. Persistent COVID-19 is a complex array of symptoms that persist or emerge for more than 4 weeks beyond SARS-CoV-2 infection. Recent studies suggest that up to 80% of survivors may develop chronic multi-organ dysfunction due to persistent inflammation and immune dysregulation, making it an ongoing public health concern worldwide.

The study aims to (1) describe and establish the frequency of physical and psychological signs and symptoms in adult patients who have tested positive for COVID-19, (2) identify individuals who meet the WHO case definition of Persistent COVID-19 in Chile, (3) explore risk factors associated with persistent COVID-19 to guide intervention strategies, and (4) explore inflammatory and molecular biomarkers associated with persistent COVID-19.

The research project utilizes a stratified random sampling with a mixed-methods embedded design. In the first phase, individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 will be recruited and followed up to complete the study's sample universe. A sociodemographic survey, blood sampling (including complete blood count, biochemical profile, immunoglobulin mutational status analysis, and analysis of inflammatory biomarkers), and a battery of psychological tests will be administered. In the second phase, kinesiology studies and medical consultation and evaluation will be conducted to determine if individuals have Persistent COVID-19 and to derive them to the healthcare network. In the final follow-up phase, participants diagnosed with Persistent COVID-19 will be invited to undergo musculoskeletal and respiratory assessments to complete the diagnosis of symptoms associated with the pathology.