Abstract

Background: There is a growing body of evidence outlining the symptomatic evolution and long-term health
complications following Sars-CoV-2 infection. There is a greater risk of developing persistent symptoms following recovery from COVID-19 in patients with pre-existing airway diseases. Given known detrimental effects of air quality on cardiopulmonary health, we wanted to assess potential compounding 3ffects of poor air quality on COVID-19 outcomes in patients with pre-existing airway diseases.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included COVID-19 patients from the California San Joaquin Valley, a region of California with poor air quality. Participants completed a survey via telephone that assessed changes in their functional status and symptomatology following recovery from Sars-CoV-2 infection. This included a persistent symptom questionnaire and three validated tests: the Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (mMRC), COPD Assessment Test (CAT), and Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale (PCFS). Data pertaining to patient demographics, medical history, and COVID-19 disease course were collected via the electronic medical record (EMR).

Results: The results of our study, compared to previous studies, demonstrate a unique pattern of outcomes for patients from the California San Joaquin Valley. This relates to both the unique demographics of the area, as well as the air quality concerns that are inherent to this region. As such, these findings extend our understanding of the concurrent challenges present in at-risk COVID-19 patients, living in areas with poor air quality. Conclusion: As such, these findings begin to extend our understanding of the concurrent challenges present in at-risk COVID-19 patients, living in areas with poor air quality.