Impact of COVID 19 vaccination on long COVID symptoms in Ecuador a nationwide cross sectional study

Abstract

Background Long COVID is a growing concern, necessitating preventive strategies like vaccination. This study seeks to expand the existing research on the long-term consequences of COVID-19, focusing specifically on how vaccination status affects both the occurrence and intensity of long COVID symptoms in Ecuador.

Methods This study used a quantitative, analytical, and cross-sectional design. An independent online questionnaire was applied to identify key factors related to long COVID symptoms and their association with COVID-19 vaccination status among adult Ecuadorians. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable statistical methods were used to examine this association.

Results A total of 202 participants were included, and logistic regression analysis identified COVID-19 vaccination as a protective factor against long COVID, while age and health-related characteristics such as the severity of the initial COVID-19 infection were identified as potential risk factors. Age group 40–49 had the highest odds of developing long COVID, suggesting that middle-aged individuals may be particularly vulnerable to long-term effects of COVID-19.

Conclusions The findings support public health initiatives that promote vaccination as a critical tool not only to prevent acute COVID-19, but also to reduce its long-term health effects. Future research should explore other risk factors and the biological mechanisms underlying long COVID, to support the development of more targeted prevention and treatment strategies.