Post pandemic covid-19 physiological and psychological changes in Bahawalpur population

Abstract

The pandemic of COVID-19 left profound global impacts on public health, economics, and social dynamics. Since its emergence, the virus has spread across 229 countries, infecting over 590 million individuals and causing 7.0 million deaths as of March 2024. The pandemic has necessitated the development of vaccines and public health interventions to mitigate its devastating effects. This study aimed to assess the post-pandemic impact of COVID-19 on physical, mental, and social health parameters of adults in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. A cross-sectional study design was employed, recruiting 500 participants aged 20–30 years using random sampling. Data were collected via a questionnaire assessing the long-term effects of COVID-19, including mental health disorders, immune system alterations, economic challenges, and medication preferences. After performing calculations, graphs were plotted on Microsoft Excel spread sheet to analyze the post-COVID-19 experiences.

Results indicated that 90% of vaccinated individuals continued to experience symptoms, with significant effects on mental health (46%), physical activity (56%), sleep patterns (42%), stress and depression (66%), social interaction (72%), productivity (84%), and economic stability (74%). Chronic disease conditions persisted in 90% of respondents, indicating long-term health complications. Memory alterations (26%), miscarriages (16%), and continued post-pandemic health impacts (18%) further highlight the pervasive consequences of COVID-19. Notably, social interaction and economic challenges were predominant, reflecting the broader societal disruptions induced by the pandemic.

The study also identified widespread post-pandemic disease burdens, with immune system disorders affecting 48% of individuals, respiratory diseases at 32%, cardiovascular conditions at 6%, and central nervous system impairments at 4%. These findings emphasize the need for sustained medical surveillance and intervention strategies to address persistent health complications. Furthermore, a shift in medication preferences was observed, with 50% of respondents utilizing herbal medicine, 22% relying on allopathic treatments, and 28% opting for alternative therapies. This trend suggests a growing inclination toward complementary and integrative medicine in post-pandemic health management. The psychological ramifications of the pandemic were evident, particularly among young adults, who experienced heightened stress due to social isolation, financial instability, and disruptions in daily routines. Additionally, children were found to be significantly affected by pandemic-induced psychological stressors, necessitating targeted mental health interventions for younger populations.