Determinants of Long COVID Persistence and Recovery in the Borriana COVID-19 Cohort During the Period 2020–2023: A Prospective Population-Based Cohort Study

Background: After more than four years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the long COVID syndrome (LC) still affects a considerable population, and factors associated with the evolution of LC have been scarcely studied. Our objective was to estimate determinants related to long COVID persistence and recovery. Methods: We carried out a prospective population-based cohort study within the Borriana COVID-19 cohort (Spain), from May 2020 to August 2023. All participants had a confirmed laboratory SARS-CoV-2 infection, and we used the World Health Organization definition for LC, whereas recovery status was self-reported by the participants. Multivariable robust Poisson regression models were used in the statistical analysis. Results: In the cohort of 722 participants (response rate 63.8%), of whom 644 with SARS-CoV-2 infection, 184 suffered from LC (28.6%), and 135 patients remained affected (73.4%) with a mean age 42.0 ±14.5, being 94 women, of whom 49 have recovered, a mean age 41.3 ± 16.3, 35 women. Medical consultation for LC sequelae was 45.7%. Determinant related to LC persistence were old age, previous chronic disease, the AB blood group, and hospitalization. SARS-CoV-2 vaccination increased LC recovery. Conclusions: The persistent LC rate was high, and determinants of LC were estimated. Maintaining the follow-up of the cohort, increasing medical assistance for LC persistence, and improving health levels are recommended.