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Post COVID-19 condition is associated with lower health-related quality of life, more frequent fatigue, anxiety/depression, stress, loneliness, lower subjective cognitive functioning, and poorer sleep quality compared to non-PCC individuals.

In a cross-sectional study of 139 participants (87 with PCC, 52 without PCC), individuals with PCC reported significantly lower HRQoL (EQ-5D: p=0.005; VAS: p<0.001) and more frequent fatigue, anxiety/depression, stress, loneliness, lower subjective cognitive functioning, and poorer sleep quality (p<0.05). Objectively measured pulmonary function, metabolic health, and cognitive tests did not differ between groups, indicating a discordance between subjective burden and objective assessments.

Last updated: Jul 10, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score34/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Long-term multidimensional health status of individuals with and without post COVID-19 condition: A cross-sectional study.

observational

Gach D, van Osch FHM, van den Bergh JP, Posthuma R, Gietema HA, de Kruif MD, Schols AMWJ, Beijers RJHCG · PloS one (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: At least one year follow-up
Intervention: Comparison of individuals with self-reported post COVID-19 condition (PCC) vs. those without PCC
Outcome: Health-related quality of life (EQ-5D, VAS), fatigue, anxiety/depression, stress, loneliness, subjective cognitive functioning, sleep quality, inspiratory muscle strength, exercise capacity
Effect Size: N/A (p-values reported: EQ-5D p=0.005; VAS p<0.001; other outcomes p<0.05)
Population: Hospitalized and non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients from three hospitals in the Netherlands, at least one year follow-up

Result:

PubMed: 42412764DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0352332

Mechanism Graph

SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to persistent symptoms in some individuals
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Self-reported PCC is associated with lower subjective health across multiple dimensions
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Objective measures of pulmonary, metabolic, and cognitive function do not show similar differences
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Result: Discordance between subjective health burden and objective assessments in PCC

Limitations

  • ⚠Cross-sectional design prevents causal inference
  • ⚠PCC status based on self-report, not objective diagnostic criteria
  • ⚠Small sample size (n=139) limits generalizability
  • ⚠Potential selection bias due to recruitment from hospitals

Frequently Asked Questions

What is post COVID-19 condition (PCC)?▼

PCC refers to persistent symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection, as defined by self-report in this study.

How does PCC affect sleep quality?▼

Individuals with PCC reported significantly lower sleep quality compared to those without PCC (p<0.05).

Are objective health measures different in PCC?▼

No, objective measures of pulmonary function, metabolic health, and cognitive tests did not differ between groups, despite subjective differences.

What was the sample size and follow-up duration?▼

The study included 139 participants (87 with PCC, 52 without) with at least one year follow-up after COVID-19.

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References

  1. 1.Gach D, van Osch FHM, van den Bergh JP, Posthuma R, Gietema HA, de Kruif MD, Schols AMWJ, Beijers RJHCG. "Long-term multidimensional health status of individuals with and without post COVID-19 condition: A cross-sectional study.." PloS one, 2026. PMID: 42412764 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0352332
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.