Work Productivity Loss in People Living With Long COVID Symptoms Over 2 Years From Infection

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Occupational Health
• Health Economics

Background:

• Long COVID, a condition characterized by persistent symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection, presents a growing public health concern.
• Understanding the long-term economic and workforce impact of Long COVID is crucial for effective healthcare and economic planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify work productivity loss among individuals experiencing Long COVID symptoms more than two years after their initial SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• To assess the economic burden associated with Long COVID on the workforce.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional online survey was administered to employed adults in British Columbia, Canada, with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection over two years prior.
• The Valuation of Lost Productivity questionnaire was used to measure work productivity loss.
• Long COVID status was self-reported, and data were weighted to represent the demographic and clinical profile of COVID-19 survivors in British Columbia.

Main Results:

• Out of 906 participants, 165 (18.7%) reported experiencing Long COVID symptoms.
• Individuals with Long COVID symptoms reported significantly greater total productivity loss compared to other COVID-19 survivors.
• The adjusted mean difference in productivity loss was 99.2 hours per 3 months for those with Long COVID.

Conclusions:

• Long COVID is demonstrably linked to considerable work productivity loss.
• The widespread prevalence of Long COVID suggests significant implications for healthcare systems, labor markets, and overall economic stability.
• Further research and interventions are needed to mitigate the productivity impacts of Long COVID.