Abstract

Background: Research describing the impact of long COVID (LC) in low and middle-income countries is lacking. This study described the characteristics of people with LC who experienced activity limitations and their associated healthcare use in Latin America (LA). Methods: Data was collected between Nov 1-Dec 1, 22 with an electronic survey. Individuals who resided in a LA country, had COVID-19, and could read, write, and comprehend Spanish were invited to participate. Sociodemographic characteristics, vaccination status, COVID-19 and LC symptoms, activity limitations and healthcare use were collected. Results: 1178 (48%) of the respondents from 16 countries had LC symptoms (>=3 months), mainly females (68.2%) with mean age of 37.9 (SD 14.9) years. 33% of LC respondents had reduced the time they normally spent on their regular activities (e.g., work, school) and 8% needed help with ADLs (activities of daily living). Respondents with activity limitations were older, had no COVID-19 vaccines, had more comorbidities, had more symptoms, and used more healthcare services (primary care, emergency department and hospitalization) than their counterparts. LC respondents who reduced their usual activities had significantly more difficulty sleeping, chest pain with activity, depression, and problems with concentration, thinking and memory. Those who needed held with ADLs were more likely to have difficulty walking, and SOB at rest. Approximately 60% of respondents who experienced activity limitations saw a specialist and 50% consulted one or more therapists. Conclusions: Our results help clarify the impact of LC on patients? lives and healthcare systems, which is valuable evidence to inform service planning and resource allocation in alignment with the needs of this population.