Assessing the impact of Long COVID on healthcare workers' work - role functioning in tertiary hospitals in Singapore.

IF 1.7 4区医学 Q3 PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

Work-A Journal of Prevention Assessment & Rehabilitation Pub Date : 2025-02-18 DOI:10.1177/10519815251319233

Zeenathnisa Mougammadou Aribou, Alvin Kian Wei Tan, See Ming Lim, John Wah Lim, Wee Hoe Gan, Wee Tong Ng, David Soo Quee Koh

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: Understanding Long COVID's impact on healthcare workers (HCWs) is vital for patient safety and care quality. However, research on its prevalence among HCWs in Singapore and its work impact is lacking.

Objective: This study aims to assess Long COVID prevalence and its impact on work role functioning among HCWs in two Singapore tertiary hospitals, filling a critical gap in the literature.

Methods: Conducted from January to April 2023, this study evaluated Long COVID prevalence and its impact on HCWs' work-role functioning in two Singapore tertiary hospitals. HCWs over 21, having experienced ≥1 COVID-19 infection, participated in an online survey. Long COVID, defined by NICE criteria, entailed symptoms persisting for 4 or more weeks. Work-related functioning was assessed using WRFQv2.0. Descriptive analyses were conducted using STATA software.

Results: Out of 15,882 eligible participants, 573 responded (3.6% response rate). Long COVID prevalence (symptoms persisting for ≥4 weeks) was 47.5%, notably higher among younger HCWs (<40 years old), those with moderate/severe infections, and multiple infections. HCWs with Long COVID had significantly lower WRFQv2.0 mean scores compared to those without (85.1 vs. 74.3, p < 0.05). Additionally, HCWs with symptoms for ≥12 weeks had significantly lower scores than those without Long COVID (85.6 vs. 74.3, p < 0.05).

Conclusion: This study underscores Long COVID's potential impact on HCWs' work role functioning, especially among those with prolonged symptoms. Tailored work adjustments are crucial for their successful return to pre-illness levels, highlighting the importance of addressing Long COVID in healthcare settings.

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来源期刊

Work-A Journal of Prevention Assessment & Rehabilitation PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH-

CiteScore

3.00

自引率

30.40%

发文量

739

期刊介绍： WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation is an interdisciplinary, international journal which publishes high quality peer-reviewed manuscripts covering the entire scope of the occupation of work. The journal''s subtitle has been deliberately laid out: The first goal is the prevention of illness, injury, and disability. When this goal is not achievable, the attention focuses on assessment to design client-centered intervention, rehabilitation, treatment, or controls that use scientific evidence to support best practice.