Post COVID-19 Condition, Work Ability and Occupational Changes: Results from a Population-based Cohort

Abstract

Background: Evidence from population-based studies on the impact of post COVID-19 condition (PCC) on ability to work is limited but critical due to its high prevalence among individuals of working-age. Objective: To evaluate the association between PCC, work ability, and occupational changes. Design: Population-based, longitudinal cohort. Setting: General population, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland. Participants: 672 adults of working-age with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Measurements: Current work ability, work ability related to physical and mental demands, and estimated future work ability in 2 years (assessed using Work Ability Index), as well as PCC-related occupational changes at one year after infection. Results: There was very strong evidence that current work ability scores were 0.62 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.30 to 0.95) points lower among those with PCC compared to those without. Similarly, there was very strong evidence for lower odds of reporting higher work ability with respect to physical (odds ratio (OR) 0.30, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.46) and mental (OR 0.40, 0.27 to 0.62) demands among those with PCC compared to those without. Higher age and history of psychiatric diagnosis were associated with a more substantial reduction in current work ability. 5.8% of those with PCC reported direct effects of PCC on their occupational situation, with 1.6% of those with PCC completely dropping out of the workforce and 43% of those with PCC-related occupational changes reporting financial difficulties as a result. Limitations: Selection, use of self-reported outcome measures, and limited generalizability to individuals with most severe COVID-19 or following vaccination. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for providing support and interdisciplinary interventions to individuals affected by PCC to help them maintain or regain their work ability and productivity. Primary Funding Source: Federal Office of Public Health, Department of Health of the Canton of Zurich, University of Zurich Foundation, Switzerland. Study Registration:ISRCTN14990068.