Health-related quality of life among COVID-19 survivors in Pokhara Metropolitan, Nepal: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: The long-term impact of COVID-19 on Quality of Life (QoL) is a growing concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Nepal. However, there is limited evidence on how post-COVID-19 health conditions affect daily life in Nepalese communities. This study assesses the QoL among COVID-19 survivors in Pokhara Metropolitan City, Nepal. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 271 post-COVID-19 patients discharged from hospitals in Pokhara Metropolitan City. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling, and data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to determine factors associated with QoL. Results: The mean HRQoL score was 61.29 ± 12.54, with the physical health domain scoring the highest (65.58 ± 21.53) and the environment domain the lowest (57.50 ±11.52). Among participants, 82.3% had good QoL, while 17.7% had poor QoL. Living in a nuclear family (aOR = 2.61, 95% CI: 2.14–6.00), being employed (aOR = 4.10, 95% CI: 1.87–9.21), and engaging in regular exercise (aOR = 3.32, 95% CI: 1.36–8.06) were significant positive factors for good QoL among post-COVID-19 patients. Conversely, chronic disease was the strongest negative predictor of QoL, with those without chronic conditions being 6.15 times more likely to report good QoL (aOR = 6.15, 95% CI: 2.65–14.24). Conclusion: COVID-19 survivors in Nepal experience varying degrees of QoL impairment, particularly in the environmental and psychological domains. Employment status, exercise, and family structure play crucial roles in post-COVID well-being, while chronic illness remains a significant barrier.