Sociodemographic and clinical profile of long COVID-19 patients, and its correlation with medical leave: a comprehensive descriptive and multicenter study

Abstract

The persistent condition of COVID-19 is characterized by a wide range of symptoms that have had a significant impact on both the health status and occupational life of the population. In this observational and multicenter study, the relationship between the sociodemographic and clinical profile of Spanish patients diagnosed with long COVID, and the work-related disability resulting from this pathology was analyzed. The analysis included 689 responses. A descriptive analysis of the variables recorded was performed, together with a bivariate analysis to determine associations between work-related disability and variables such as gender, age, health status, disabling symptoms or comorbidities. The results obtained highlight fatigue and lack of concentration (brain fog) as the most incapacitating symptoms among patients diagnosed with long COVID. Multivariate analysis revealed that time since diagnosis (OR: 0.57, CI95%: 0.36–0.89, p: 0.013), concomitant renal insufficiency (OR: 4.04, CI95%: 1.42–11.4, p: 0.008), and symptoms like fatigue (OR: 0.56, CI95%: 0.33–0.99) and tremors (OR: 2.0, CI95%: 1.06–3.69, p: 0.029), were associated with work-related disability. These findings highlight the need to improve the health and work-related management of this condition in the healthcare system. Besides risk factor control, it is suggested to pay special attention to determining the appropriate timing of medical leave work reintegration, along with coordination between primary care and occupational health services to ensure the gradual and tailored return of patients with long COVID to the workforce.