New Texas Southern University Study Highlights Long COVID Risks in Houston’s Third Ward

A new study by the Center for Transformative Health at Texas Southern University identified risk factors for long COVID in a historically underserved population. Conducted in Houston’s Third Ward, the research shows that severe initial COVID-19 symptoms, pre-existing health conditions, and specific acute symptom profiles increase the likelihood of persistent symptoms after infection.

Led by Dr. Zuri Dale, the research team used the CDC’s CASPER (Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response) methodology, the research team surveyed 168 households, representing a weighted population of nearly 15,000 households in the Third Ward. The study, now published in Frontiers in Public Health, focuses on a community-based, non-hospitalized population, providing a new look at long COVID outside traditional hospital settings.

By the numbers

• 18.06% of households reported at least one member experiencing symptoms 30 days or more after initial infection, meeting the criteria for long COVID.
• People with severe initial COVID-19 symptoms were 29.6 times more likely to develop long COVID compared to those with mild symptoms.
• Pre-existing conditions were strong predictors, such as heart disease — linked to a sixfold increase in long COVID risk —, and poor physical health.
• Acute symptoms were associated with long COVID in adjusted models: anxiety, chest pain, constipation, heart palpitations, shortness of breath.
• Race, income, education, and access to healthcare did not remain statistically significant predictors, indicating that clinical and symptom-based factors played a larger role in this study population.

Why This Study Matters

Most long COVID research focuses on hospitalized patients. This study examines a community-based, predominantly minority, urban population, confirming that long COVID can affect neurological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and mental health systems. It underscores the need for ongoing, multidisciplinary care, even for people who were never hospitalized.

Although socioeconomic factors were not strong predictors here, the researchers note the Third Ward’s shared disadvantage may narrow measurable differences, reflecting systemic barriers and cumulative health burdens.

Next Steps & Recommendations

To further understand and address long COVID in underserved areas, the study recommends:

• Longitudinal follow-up to track symptom patterns and recovery over time.
• Incorporating vaccination and variant data into future studies to assess protective effects.
• Developing screening tools to identify high-risk individuals based on symptom severity and health history.
• Investing in equitable care pathways in communities historically excluded from research and comprehensive healthcare.

For additional information about the Center for Transformative Health, please contact Dr. Zuri Dale (zuri.dale@tsu.edu).