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

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the work productivity loss in people experiencing long COVID symptoms more than 2 years after infection. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, employed adults from British Columbia, Canada, who had a polymerase chain reaction–confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection more than 2 years earlier, completed an online survey incorporating the Valuation of Lost Productivity questionnaire. Long COVID status was self-reported. The data were weighted to mirror the demographic and clinical profile of COVID-19 survivors in British Columbia. Results: Of 906 participants, 165 (18.7%) reported long COVID symptoms. These individuals reported greater total productivity loss than other COVID-19 survivors (adjusted mean difference, 99.2 hours per 3 months; 95% confidence interval, 44.9–167.5). Conclusions: Long COVID is associated with substantial work productivity loss. Given the large number of individuals affected by long COVID, this has significant implications for healthcare systems, the workforce, and economies.