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This study aims to investigate coping strategies used by Bangladeshi citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic.DesignProspective, cross-sectional survey of adults (N=2001) living in Bangladesh.MethodsParticipants were interviewed for socio-demographic data and completed the Bengali translated Brief-COPE Inventory. Statistical data analysis was conducted using SPSS (Version 20).ResultsParticipants (N=2001), aged 18 to 86 years, were recruited from eight administrative divisions within Bangladesh (mean age 31.85±14.2 years). Male to female participant ratio was 53.4% (n=1074) to 46.6% (n=927). Higher scores were reported for approach coping styles (29.83±8.9), with lower scores reported for avoidant coping styles (20.83 ± 6.05). Humor coping scores were reported at 2.68±1.3 and religion coping scores at 5.64±1.8. Both men and women showed similar coping styles. Multivariate analysis found a significant relationship between male gender and both humor and avoidant coping (p religion and approach coping (p approach coping (p ConclusionParticipants in this study coped with the COVID-19 pandemic by utilizing a combination of coping strategies. Factor 1 revealed both avoidant and approach coping strategies and Factor 2 revealed a combination of humor and avoidant coping strategies. Overall, a higher utilization of approach coping strategies was reported, which has previously been associated with better physical and mental health outcomes. Religion was found to be a coping strategy for all participants. Future research may focus on understanding resilience in vulnerable populations, including people with disability or with migrant or refugee status in Bangladesh.

Background: The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of ‘Long COVID’ symptoms (LCS) in a large cohort of survivors and identify any potential associated risk factors. Methods: A prospective survey was undertaken of an inception cohort of confirmed COV|ID-19 survivors (Aged 18 to 87 years). 14392 participants were recruited from 24 testing facilities across Bangladesh between June, and November 2020. All participants had a previously confirmed positive COVID-19 diagnosis, and reported persistent symptoms and difficulties in performing daily activities. Participants who consented, were contacted by telephone, and were interviewed regarding LCS, and restriction of activities of daily living. Cardio-respiratory parameters were also measured. Statistical analysis included binary logistic and multiple linear regressions were performed with LCS as the dependent variable. Associated risk factors were identified using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Findings: Among 2198 participants, the prevalence of LCS at 12 weeks was 16·1%. Overall, eight LCS were identified and in descending order of prominence are: fatigue, pain, dyspnea, cough, anosmia, appetite loss, headache, and chest pain. COVID survivors experienced between 1 to 5 LCS with an overall duration period of 21·8 ± 5·2 weeks. SEM predicted the length of LCS to be related to younger age, female gender, rural residence, prior functional limitation and smoking. Interpretation: In this cohort of survivors, at 31 weeks post diagnosis, the prevalence of LCS was 16·1%. The risk factors identified for presence and longer length of LCS warrant further research and consideration to support public health initiatives. Clinical Trial Registration Details: The study was registered at World Health Organization (WHO) Primary Clinical trial registry platform (CTRI/2020/09/028165) on 30/09/2020 with the title “Symptoms presentation among the COVID-19 survivors in Bangladesh”. Funding Information: No funding. Declaration of Interests: We declare no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: Ethical permission was obtained from the Institutional Review Board at the Institute of Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation, and Research (Ethical review committee at Bangladesh Physiotherapy Association) on September 17, 2020 (BPA-IPRR/IRB/17/09/2020/028). Verbal consent was obtained during the initial telephone call and written consent was obtained at interview. The principles of the Helsinki Declaration19 were followed throughout the research to ensure confidentiality, ethics and privacy.