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Long COVID-19 and Its Impact on Public Health

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Global Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 319

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Nursing Course, State University of Maranhão, Coroatá 65665-000, Brazil
Interests: HIV; sexually transmitted Infections; long COVID-19

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Guest Editor
Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-902, Brazil
Interests: HIV; sexually transmitted infections; long COVID-19

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Guest Editor
Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-902, Brazil
Interests: HIV; sexually transmitted infections; long COVID-19

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Guest Editor
Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Piauí, Oeiras 64500-000, Brazil
Interests: public policies; public management; diversity; gender and identity

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Guest Editor
1. Department of Nursing, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Coxim 79400-000, Brazil
2. Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-902, Brazil
Interests: HIV; sexually transmitted infections; long COVID-19

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Long COVID is a complex syndrome representing a significant public health challenge worldwide. It is one of the most frequent long-term effects observed in COVID-19 survivors and impacts the population's quality of life. Neuropsychiatric conditions, including anxiety and stress, are common and debilitating features in this population and are major public health challenges. Understanding their burden and predictors is fundamental for comprehensive care and evidence-based public policies. This Special Issue, titled "Long COVID-19 and Its Impact on Public Health", seeks high-quality submissions exploring the multifaceted impacts of long COVID. We specifically invite research on the prevalence, predictors, mechanisms, prevention, public policies, and intervention strategies for anxiety and stress in this context. Articles contributing to our understanding of the syndrome's burden and informing public health responses are particularly welcome.

Dr. Laelson Rochelle Milanês Sousa
Prof. Dr. Elucir Gir
Dr. Renata Karina Reis
Dr. Rafael Fernandes de Mesquita
Dr. Daniel Macedo Rocha
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • post-acute COVID-19 syndrome
  • anxiety
  • stress
  • risk factors
  • public health
  • public policies

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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18 pages, 1064 KB  
Systematic Review
Patient and Professional Perspectives on Long COVID: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Synthesis
by Sophia X. Sui and Lei Yu
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(11), 1620; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22111620 (registering DOI) - 24 Oct 2025
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Abstract
Background: Post-COVID-19 condition (‘long COVID’) involves fluctuating symptoms across multiple organ systems and disability or functional loss, which may be episodic, continuous, or permanent. Qualitative research is essential to capture lived experiences and explain how social and health system contexts may influence improvement, [...] Read more.
Background: Post-COVID-19 condition (‘long COVID’) involves fluctuating symptoms across multiple organ systems and disability or functional loss, which may be episodic, continuous, or permanent. Qualitative research is essential to capture lived experiences and explain how social and health system contexts may influence improvement, recovery, and service use. We synthesised perspectives from people living with long COVID and healthcare professionals to inform service design and policy. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis. MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for studies published between 1 January 2020 and 19 August 2025. Eligible studies reported qualitative data from adults with long COVID (≥12 weeks after acute infection) and/or healthcare professionals in any setting. We excluded non-qualitative, non-primary, or non-English reports. Two reviewers independently screened, extracted, and appraised studies using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Data were synthesised thematically. The protocol was registered with the Open Science Framework. Findings: Of 1544 records screened, 49 studies met the inclusion criteria: 41 involving patients, two involving professionals, and six involving both. Eight patient themes (including symptom burden, identity disruption and stigma) and four professional themes (including recognition, care coordination and holistic care models) were identified. Recognition emerged as a cross-cutting mechanism: validation and consistent pacing guidance facilitated engagement and safer activity, whereas invalidation and inconsistent advice were associated with distress, avoidance, and disengagement. Trajectories showed gradual expansion of multidisciplinary care models, but major capacity and equity gaps persisted. Most studies had low methodological concerns, although heterogeneity in populations and settings was substantial. Interpretation: Long COVID is a chronic, biological condition that also intersects with social and psychological dimensions, and may present with episodic, continuous, or progressive trajectories. Healthcare services must prioritise early validation, provide consistent pacing and relapse prevention guidance, expand access to multidisciplinary and peer-supported rehabilitation, integrate mental healthcare, strengthen coordinated pathways, and support graded return to work. Explicit attention to equity is required to avoid widening disparities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Long COVID-19 and Its Impact on Public Health)
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