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Microbes & Immunity Physiological and cognitive effects of PASC

significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Emerging 1.4. Prevalence and recovery of PASC
evidence has linked the activation of inflammation and Recent surveys, such as those from the US CDC, have
5
the immune system to cognitive dysfunction (e.g., brain shown that PASC symptoms are less common in large
fog) and fatigue. Similarly, mitochondrial dysfunction metropolitan residents. This is likely due to better
2
and autonomic nervous system dysregulation have been healthcare infrastructure and access to preventative
associated with prolonged fatigue, neurological symptoms, measures, such as vaccination. Recovery durations for
and post-exertional malaise, highlighting the systemic PASC symptoms vary widely, ranging from several months
nature of PASC. to a year or even longer. Cognitive symptoms, such as brain
1.1. The emergence of PASC fog, characterized by memory impairments, concentration
difficulty, and mental fatigue, are particularly prevalent
PASC have emerged as a significant public health concern, and often interfere with work and daily activities. PASC,
affecting individuals across different demographic groups, particularly in terms of cognitive and neurological deficits,
including those who had mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 can severely affect daily functioning even after the infection
infections. According to data from the United States (US) has subsided. 2
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to
3
25.6% of adults who have had COVID-19 report persistent 1.5. Aims of the study
symptoms, which can last for months or even longer. This study aims to investigate the demographic influences
These lingering effects not only burden healthcare systems on the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The symptom categories
but also affect economic productivity, as individuals were centered primarily on physiological and cognitive
struggle to return to work or engage in daily activities. The effects. The study seeks to examine how demographic
mechanisms behind PASC are not fully understood, but it factors, including gender, age, vaccination status, and
is believed to involve a combination of factors such as viral ethnicity, affect the development of PASC. In addition, this
persistence, immune system dysregulation, and prolonged study analyzes the connections between symptoms through
inflammation. 2 exploratory factor analysis (EFA), Pearson correlation,
and other statistical methods to understand how specific
1.2. Demographic risk factors
symptoms are correlated. Ultimately, this study aims to
Several demographic factors, especially age, play a crucial contribute to a deeper understanding of PASC and provide
role in determining the likelihood of developing PASC. valuable insights into its prevalence, which can shape global
While older adults (especially those over 65 years) are more public health efforts to address and, eventually, treat PASC.
susceptible to severe acute outcomes from COVID-19 due
to age-related declines in immune function and the presence 2. Methodology
of comorbidities such as diabetes and cardiovascular This study employed a descriptive research design,
diseases, middle-aged adults (35 – 49 years) exhibit higher collecting data through a self-reporting survey to evaluate
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prevalence rates of PASC symptoms compared to both the physiological and cognitive effects of PASC. This
6,7
younger and older age groups. 5 method was chosen because it allows for a comprehensive
1.3. Socioeconomic and racial disparities analysis using a larger sample size. Participants were
recruited through flyers, word of mouth, and online
Socioeconomic status significantly influences both the platforms (Figure 1), targeting individuals aged 18 – 55
likelihood of initial infection and the development with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis and no pre-
of PASC. Individuals from lower socioeconomic existing health conditions (Figure 2). Exclusion criteria
backgrounds, particularly those in marginalized were implemented to minimize confounding variables,
communities, often face greater exposure to COVID-19 as pre-existing health conditions such as chronic pain,
due to factors, such as crowded living conditions, autoimmune diseases, and pregnancy can cause symptoms
inadequate healthcare access, and pre-existing health that overlap with PASC. For example, symptom severity
conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular might result from both COVID-19 and pre-existing
diseases. Moreover, racial disparities are evident, with health conditions. Participant age was limited to 55 due
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Hispanic adults (8.3%) exhibiting the highest PASC to the natural health decline associated with aging, which
prevalence, followed by White and Black adults. Asian could confound the effects of age in our study. The online
adults report the lowest PASC prevalence, though the self-reporting survey consisted of 64 questions and was
reasons for this disparity remain unclear and may be hosted on JotForm, a Health Insurance Portability and
influenced by healthcare access, socioeconomic factors, Accountability Act-compliant platform that ensures data
or cultural differences. 5 privacy and security. Power analysis was not conducted

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2025) 107 doi: 10.36922/mi.8545