On December 2025, Dr. Hussein Hallak in collaboration with Al-Quds University Medical Students Tareq Jarrar, Noor Halaseh, Duha Doudin, Peter Bael , Atheer Shaheen, Eyad Jobeh, Ahmad Abu Sada , Ahmad AbuAwwad, and Bayan Alqtishat published a new article in Global Health, Epidemiology and Genomics by the title of Long-Term Self-Reported Symptoms Among Adults After COVID-19 Infection in the West Bank: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.
With growing recognition of the prolonged effects of COVID-19, there is an urgent need to understand its extended clinical and public health implications across diverse settings. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of persistent COVID-19 symptoms among Palestinian adults and to evaluate their associations with hospitalization and recovery duration.
This cross-sectional study was conducted on a randomized sample of 407 adult COVID-19 patients confirmed by the Palestinian Ministry of Health
The study population had a mean age of 40 years; 54% were female, and 70.3% had no previous medical history. Common complaints were fatigue (64.9%), anosmia (61.9%), joint pain (52.6%), and headache (51.8%). Hospitalization was necessary in 7.6% of patients, while 5.9% required oxygen or intubation. Most patients (92.6%) recovered in 4 months. The persistence of chest pain, shortness of breath, and lethargy was significantly associated with hospitalization (p < 0.001). The persistence of the previously mentioned symptoms was significantly associated with the duration of recovery.
The study provides valuable insights into the long-term symptoms experienced by individuals recovering from COVID-19 in the West Bank. The findings carry implications for clinicians, public health authorities, and affected individuals,
highlighting the importance of integrated care strategies and sustained support throughout the post-acute phase of the disease.
For more information about the study, please contact the main author at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or the scientific research office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.