Determinants of work ability among health and social services workers with work-related COVID-19 infection in Germany

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges for health workers worldwide. While previous studies have primarily focused on acute COVID-19 symptoms, limited research has explored the long-term impacts on the work ability of health professionals. This study aims to identify determinants influencing the work ability of health and social services workers with work-related COVID-19 infection in Germany, with the aim of developing hypotheses for future studies. METHODS: Data from a quantitative longitudinal study involving 1,300 health and social services workers in Germany were analyzed. The Work Ability Score (WAS) was used to assess participants’ work ability. RESULTS: Among the participants, 75.2% reported experiencing post-COVID symptoms, and 51.3% had low levels of work ability. Several factors such as obesity, severe acute memory and concentration problems from the initial phase of COVID-19, post-COVID symptoms, and pre-existing psychological conditions were associated with reduced work ability. Conversely, medical and therapeutic staff had better work ability levels than nurses. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions such as rehabilitation measures and workplace adjustments are needed to mitigate these effects and improve the long-term occupational resilience of healthcare workers affected by the consequences of COVID-19.