Pulmonary fibrosis is a frequently reported COVID-19 sequela in which the exact prevalence and risk factors are yet to be established. This meta-analysis aims to investigate the prevalence of post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis (PCPF) and the potential risk factors.

About 44.9% of COVID-19 survivors appear to have developed pulmonary fibrosis. Factors related to COVID-19 severity were significantly associated with PCPF development.

The systematic search initially revealed a total of 618 articles – of which only 13 studies reporting 2018 patients were included in this study. Among the patients, 1,047 (51.9%) were male and 971 (48.1%) were female.

The mean age was 54.5 years (15–94). The prevalence of PCPF was 44.9%.

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