Introduction:
Extensive research has focused on long-term post-COVID-19 consequences and symptoms, but limited studies have explored the relationship between current mental health status and long-term COVID symptoms in nationwide surveys. This study aims to investigate this association using data from the 2022 nationally representative Behavioral Risk Surveillance System Dataset.

Method:
Data analysis involved a descriptive examination of adult mental health status alongside post-COVID symptoms persisting for three months or more after treatment. Chi-square tests assessed demographic variations, while logistic regression analyzed the relationship between current mental health status and prolonged post-COVID symptoms.

Result:
Descriptive statistics revealed that respondents with prolonged post-COVID symptoms also experienced mental health symptoms, with severity correlating with the duration of mental health symptoms. Logistic regression indicated that individuals experiencing mental health symptoms for 1-13 days and 14-30 days per month were 1.3 and 2 times more likely, respectively, to report post-COVID symptoms persisting for three months or more compared to those with no mental health symptoms. Even after adjusting for covariates, including demographic factors and health insurance enrollment, the association between mental health symptoms and long-term post-COVID symptoms remained statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Discussion:
These findings emphasize the importance of screening individuals with persistent post-COVID symptoms for concurrent mental health conditions. Healthcare providers must adopt a comprehensive and holistic approach to patient assessment and treatment to ensure optimal outcomes in managing the complex interplay between physical and mental health post-COVID-19.