IJID regionsOct 10, 2025

How common and what features long-term symptoms after COVID-19 have in Rwanda

Updated Jun 28, 2026

Abstract

Essence

About one-third of adult COVID-19 survivors in Rwanda reported post-acute sequelae, with higher odds in women, older adults, people with repeat infections, and those screening positive for anxiety.

Evidence

A nationally representative cross-sectional telephone survey of 3,143 adults from Rwanda's national COVID-19 registry estimated 34% PASC prevalence and used multivariable logistic regression to identify associations with sex, age 35 or older, two or more infections, anxiety, and current alcohol use.

Caveat

As a cross-sectional telephone survey, the study cannot determine whether the associated factors caused PASC, and symptom reporting may be affected by self-report bias.

Simplified

OBJECTIVES: Reliable, population-level estimates of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) remain scarce for sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed to quantify PASC prevalence and identify associated factors among adult COVID-19 survivors in Rwanda.

METHODS: A nationally representative cross-sectional telephone survey (August-October 2024) sampled 3143 adults from the national COVID-19 registry. PASC was defined as new or persisting symptoms ≥3 months after acute illness and lasting ≥2 months. The prevalence was calculated, and multivariable logistic regression identified factors independently associated with PASC.

RESULTS: Overall, PASC prevalence was 34%. Leading symptoms were back pain, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and reduced sexual desire. Higher odds of PASC occurred in women, adults ≥35 years, individuals with ≥2 COVID-19 infections, and those screening positive for anxiety. Current alcohol use was linked to lower odds. COVID-19 vaccination showed no association with PASC.

CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one-third of adult Rwandan COVID-19 survivors continue to experience persistent symptoms. This burden signals that post-COVID care must become an integral part of routine health services, especially as new variants periodically drive fresh waves of infection. Preventing repeat infections and integrating mental health support emerge as actionable priorities. Harmonized longitudinal studies are needed to clarify PASC causality.