Long-term self-reported health and disability after COVID-19 in public employees

Abstract

Background Although the symptomatology has been assessed in multiple studies among persons recovering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), less is known regarding long-term general health and disability. We aimed to assess long-term self-reported disability in public employees after predominantly mild COVID-19 in comparison with individuals who had negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results. Methods Public employees within Region Västra Götaland were offered tests to identify SARS-CoV-2 infection (n = 56,221) and were invited to complete an online survey that included the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule. Questionnaires were sent out between January 26 and March 5, 2021. A total of 14,222 (25.3%) employees responded, of which 10,194 (18%) were included (women n = 8749, 85.8%). Of these, 7185 (70.5%) participants had a negative PCR test result (controls). A total of 1425 (14%) had a positive PCR result and were categorized in the sub-acute phase (4–12 weeks post COVID-19), and 1584 (15.5%) had a positive PCR test and were categorized in the post COVID-19 phase (> 12 weeks). Results Fifty-two percent of controls rated disability of varying degrees, versus 73% and 64% of participants in the sub-acute and post COVID-19 phase, respectively. Being “emotionally affected” was the most frequently reported disability in the sub-acute phase, the post COVID-19 phase, as well as in controls. The proportion of participants reporting difficulties for 20–30 days was higher in the sub-acute phase than in the post COVID-19 phase (27.9% vs. 21.8%, p < 0.001) as well as in a comparison between participants in the post COVID-19 phase and controls (21.8% vs 14.2%, p < 0.001). Compared with controls, severe disability was more common in the post COVID-19 phase among both women (15.8% vs. 10.7%,), and men (9.8% vs. 6.8%). Conclusions Disability was present in all groups; however, reported disability was greater in the sub-acute phase than in the post COVID-19 phase. The higher levels of disability reported in the COVID-19 patient population may indicate a persisting need for rehabilitation and recovery. In general, women reported a greater degree of disability than men in the sub-acute and post COVID-19 phases.

Sociodemographic and Clinical Profile of Long COVID-19 Patients, and Its Correlation with Medical Leave: A Comprehensive Descriptive and Multicenter Study

“…Work-related incapacity is another concern for patients suffering from PASC inducing anxiety and stress due to the potential of job loss or early retirement, with personal, economic, and social repercussions for both the individual and society [7]. Various studies show that at least half of PASC patients experience temporary work incapacity or reduced usual work activities due to the inability to perform their previous tasks fully [14,15]. Furthermore, loss of or incapacity to perform work can lead to diminished quality of life, distorting self-concept and self-esteem, impeding social relationships, and ultimately diminishing both personal and social well-being [16,17].…”

Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Patients with COVID-19 Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit: A Two-Year Retrospective Analysis

“…Thus, the etiology of the development of muscle weakness is directed towards prolonged immobility, prolonged use of mechanical ventilation, and sepsis, in addition to the use of pharmacological agents such as corticosteroids, muscle relaxants, neuromuscular blockers, glycemic alterations, and the presence of malnutrition [ 11 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. Many patients with COVID-19 who receive treatment in the ICU may demonstrate subsequent severe muscle weakness associated with high functional dependence and neurocognitive disorders that make it difficult to perform activities of daily living (ADL) and may persist for up to five years after hospital discharge [ 16 ]. In addition, a large number of COVID-19-specifc protocols and decision aids were released by national, local, and professional bodies to assist with this decision-making.…”

“…COVID-19 in its severe form has also been related to neurological complications, such as critical illness myopathy in 48% to 96% of ICU patients with ARDS, although however, it is usually associated with the use of corticosteroids, immobility, and sepsis, in the presence of myopathy and polyneuropathy, patients affected by COVID-19 present muscle weakness, loss of functionality, and impacts on quality of life that can persist for around two years after the presentation of the condition [ 16 ]. Thus, the physiotherapist plays a fundamental role in the rehabilitation process.…”

“…Thus, the physiotherapist plays a fundamental role in the rehabilitation process. In addition, these professionals must have experience with critically ill patients in a hospital environment associated with daily planning to guarantee quality and safety for the patient and the team [ 16 ].…”