Post-acute Covid-19 syndrome in the workplace
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1
School of Occupational health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Ital
2
Occupational health, UCSC, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy
3
Occupational health, researcher, Largo F Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy
4
Occupational Health, UCSC, Largo F. Vito 1, Italy
Publication date: 2023-04-26
Popul. Med. 2023;5(Supplement):A400
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives:
Covid-19 is a multi-organ disease that can cause a wide range of persistent symptoms following the initial acute infection. The health status of the workforce was examined as part of a health promotion program integrated into workplace medical surveillance.
Methods:
In order to determine the prevalence of infection, stress, mental health issues, sleep problems, and work ability, 1378 workers exposed to occupational risks in the health and other sectors conducted a medical examination in addition to a questionnaire.
Results:
In 2020 and 2021, 164 employees (or 11.6%) contracted Covid-19. Compared to other occupational sectors (7.4%), the frequency was higher among hospital employees (15%). 4 weeks after the infection had ended, 86% of the workers said that some symptoms were still present.
The infected employees exhibited similar levels of occupational stress and anxiety as the other employees, but they slept less soundly (p 0.05). In comparison to healthy respondents, Post-Covid workers showed lower levels of sleep quality, and higher levels of fatigue, anxiety, and depression (p 0.001). 1.3% of individuals stated that infections caused exacerbations of pre-existing diseases. These workers had a considerably lower working capacity (p<0.001) than other workers, in addition to the characteristics mentioned above.
Conclusions:
As of December 13th, 2022, 654 million people worldwide have been infected with COVID-19 (https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/). Assuming a conservative estimate of 6.2% survivors who experience persistent symptoms, long-term effects of COVID-19 could have an impact on almost 40,500,000 people. It has been noted that long-term impacts could compound exponentially if this virus continues to spread among humans. Post-Covid employees need specialized disability management care.
CITATIONS (1):
1.
Workplace Health Promotion Embedded in Medical Surveillance: The Italian Way to Total Worker Health Program
Nicola Magnavita
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health