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The following is a summary of “Predicting Long-Term Health-Related Quality of Life in Individuals With Prior SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A 12-Month Prospective Study,” published in the May 2025 issue of Journal of Primary Care & Community Health by Weinstein et al. 

Researchers conducted a retrospective study to identify predictors of clinically meaningful declines in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among patients with COVID-19 over a 12-month period.  

They performed a longitudinal study with individuals who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, evaluating demographic data, medical history, and symptom reports as potential predictors. The HRQoL was measured using the validated EuroQoL Dimension 5 level scale at baseline and after 12 months.  

The results showed that shortness of breath, a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lower body mass index (BMI), and a history of anxiety at the initial visit were significantly linked to clinically meaningful declines in HRQoL at 12 months. Individuals with these factors experienced greater HRQoL worsening compared to those without. The small number of COPD cases (4 total) limited the reliability of this predictor.  

Investigators concluded that shortness of breath, lower BMI, and anxiety history were key predictors of long-term HRQoL decline in patients with COVID-19.   

Source: journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/21501319251342650