Research Conducted by Indian Institutes Highlights Risk Factors and Gender Disparities in Long Covid
A recent study conducted by Dr D Y Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre in Pune, in collaboration with the CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology in New Delhi, has shed light on the risk factors associated with long Covid, revealing a higher susceptibility among women compared to men. The study, published in Scientific Reports, a journal affiliated with the publishers of Nature, underscores the urgent need for further research and targeted interventions to address this emerging health concern.
Gender Disparity and Risk Factors: Analyzing data from 3,329 healthcare workers, the study found that 216 individuals (6.19%) experienced long Covid, with women being disproportionately affected. Dr Aayush Gupta, lead researcher, highlighted persistent weakness, fatigue, loss of smell, myalgia, headache, and other symptoms commonly associated with long Covid. Notably, women were found to be more prone to developing long Covid compared to men, signaling a significant gender disparity in post-Covid complications.
Alcohol Consumption and Reinfections: Among the study participants, a history of alcohol consumption emerged as a significant risk factor for long Covid. Dr Shahzad Mirza, hospital infection control officer, emphasized the association between alcohol use disorder and compromised immune function, which may exacerbate the risk of long Covid. Furthermore, the study identified 25 cases of Covid reinfection, including individuals who were partially or fully vaccinated. Alarmingly, 14 individuals with reinfection also reported experiencing long Covid symptoms, highlighting the complex interplay between viral immunity and post-Covid complications.
Implications and Further Research: The findings of this study have broader implications for public health, particularly in understanding the socio-economic factors that contribute to long Covid disparities. Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, co-chairman of the National Indian Medical Association (IMA) Covid Task Force, stressed the importance of addressing long Covid risk among young and healthy individuals, urging further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and inform targeted interventions. Dr Ishwar Gilada, a consultant in infectious diseases, underscored the need for ongoing scientific inquiry into post-Covid complications, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of long Covid and its potential impact on vulnerable populations.
As the scientific community continues to grapple with the complexities of long Covid, collaborative efforts between researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers are essential to mitigate its impact and ensure comprehensive care for those affected.
