Characteristics Associated with Mental and Physical Health Among US Adults with Long COVID

Background/Objectives: Long COVID (LC) has affected 7.2% of the population of the United States (US). Mental and physical health have been increasing in prevalence over the last few years. This study aimed to investigate the association between various characteristics and mental and physical health status among US adults with LC. Methods: The study was cross-sectional in design and used data from the 2023 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). We assessed predisposing, enabling, and need variables in US adults with MEPS-defined LC using multivariable logistic regression analysis. The data was weighted to produce nationally representative estimates. Results: It was determined that individuals with a low income level, a high degree of pain, and poor physical health were each associated with higher odds of poor mental health in US adults with LC. An age of 50-70+ was associated with lower odds of poor physical health in US adults with LC. Educational achievement up to and including high school, having a functional limitation, exercise participation, any pain, multiple comorbid conditions, and poor mental health were each associated with higher odds of poor physical health in US adults with LC. Conclusions: Several variables were associated with poor mental and physical health status among US adults with LC. Further research should be conducted to explore these variables in more detail and investigate possible interventions for healthcare providers.