Background: The COVID-19 pandemic's long-term mental health implications are increasingly concerning, especially among patients suffering post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection: Long COVID (LC) patients.
Aim: This study explores the presence and distribution of anxiety, depression, and stress in LC individuals with cognitive complaints in northern Barcelona (Spain).
Design & settings: This cross-sectional study involved 155 diagnosed LC individuals from the "Aliança ProHEpiC-19 Cognitiu (APC)" project.
Method: Demographic data and health behavior variables were collected, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) was self-administered to assess mental health. Descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and Poisson regression models were used for data analysis.
Results: 'Severe' stress and 'Extremely Severe' anxiety were prevalent in the sample. There were significant differences in anxiety and depression based on age and job role, with older individuals and non-healthcare workers showing higher relative risks.
Conclusions: Our study highlights the significant mental health burden in LC patients, underscoring the need for targeted interventions, especially among adults over 45 years old and non-healthcare workers. Further research is needed to better understand LC's complex mental health impacts and develop effective clinical management strategies.
Keywords: Long COVID; Mental health; Post COVID-19 Condition.
Copyright © 2025, The Authors.