Prevalence and symptoms of Long Covid-19 in the workplace

Abstract

Background: The symptoms of Long coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) are heterogeneous, creating uncertainty for employers regarding the diagnosis. The prevalence of Long Covid-19 in the workforce is also unknown. Furthermore, workers affected by Long Covid-19 encounter considerable difficulties in ensuring work safety and returning to their jobs due to this condition. Aims: This review is aimed to identify the prevalence of Long Covid-19 in the workplace and to determine the various symptoms of Long Covid-19 experienced by the workers. Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted to calculate the pooled estimates for the prevalence of Long Covid-19. Heterogeneity among the estimates was evaluated using the I² statistic. Results: The pooled prevalence of Long Covid-19 among workers across the 11 studies was 38% (95% CI 23–56). A total of 43 symptoms associated with Long Covid-19 were identified in the workplace, with the top five symptoms being dyspnoea at moderate activity (51%, 95% CI 39–62), mental symptoms (38%, 95% CI 6–87), dyspnoea at mild activity (35%, 95% CI 25–47), fatigue (26%, 95% CI 3–78) and effort intolerance (24%, 95% CI 15–35). Conclusions: The review indicates a significant burden of long-lasting symptoms within the workforce. The top five reported symptoms of Long Covid-19 were dyspnoea during mild and moderate activities, mental symptoms, fatigue and effort intolerance.