Chronic Stress as a Risk Factor for Long COVID

NCT05652634 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: KLI 1100-B
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 380
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The disease caused by the pathogen SARS-CoV-2 is known as coronavirus disease with the acronym COVID-19. The acute phase of this condition typically lasts one to two weeks and usually results in a full recovery. However, in about 10-30% of those affected, the symptoms persist for more than four weeks after the onset of the disease. In this case, there is an ongoing COVID-19 illness known as long COVID. Long COVID can persist for many months and cause significant distress and limitations to those affected due to the long-term health consequences. The causes of long COVID are still unclear and, accordingly, therapeutic measures are still insufficiently developed. It is assumed that long COVID can in principle affect anyone. Age, gender, obesity and the number of symptoms during an acute COVID-19 illness are discussed as risk factors for long COVID. Another potential risk factor for developing long COVID could be chronic stress, which has been shown to put a strain on the immune system. It is known from infections with other coronaviruses and other viral respiratory diseases that chronic stress can lead to prolonged illness and limited recovery. The aim of this study is to systematically examine chronic stress, as it existed before infection with the coronavirus, as a possible risk factor for long COVID. For this purpose, 600 people who have been proven to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 and have developed symptoms of COVID-19 will be included in this study.

Conditions

Long COVID; Acute COVID-19

Keywords

Chronic stress; Long COVID; Mental health; Cognitive function; Stress-related biomarkers

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Symptom persistence beyond four weeks from the onset of acute symptoms of COVID-19 (subacute/ongoing symptomatic COVID-19).

  Application of the Long COVID Symptom Tool and Impact Tool (LC-ST and LC-IT)

  Symptom persistence at one month after having tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection (subacute/ongoing symptomatic COVID-19)

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Probability Sample

Study Population

After having been tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and having received the invitation to participate in this study by the local health authority of the City of Graz, or the health authority of the Province of Styria, persons interested can visit the study website and sign in for getting contacted by the study team.

You may not qualify if:

• Insufficient knowledge of German language; lengths of hair at rear vertex less than 2 cm; pregnancy or postpartum less than 3 months; refusal to give informed consent

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Medical University of Graz: lead
• University of Klagenfurt: collaborator
• Wayne State University: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Medical University Graz, Division of Medical Psychology, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy

Graz, Styria, 8036, Austria

Location

Biospecimen

Retention: SAMPLES WITHOUT DNA

1. Proinflammatory cytokines 2. metabolites of the kynurenine pathway 3. catecholamines

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; Psychological Well-Being

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

COVID-19; Pneumonia, Viral; Pneumonia; Respiratory Tract Infections; Infections; Virus Diseases; Coronavirus Infections; Coronaviridae Infections; Nidovirales Infections; RNA Virus Infections; Lung Diseases; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Post-Infectious Disorders; Chronic Disease; Disease Attributes; Pathologic Processes; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Personal Satisfaction; Behavior

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Senior Scientist at Clinical Division of Medical Psychology, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Principal Investigator

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: December 14, 2022
• First Posted: December 15, 2022
• Study Start: February 9, 2023
• Primary Completion: January 31, 2024
• Study Completion: June 30, 2024
• Last Updated: September 16, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-09

Locations

AU (1)