Long Covid and quality of life: impact on healthcare workers

Summary: Long Covid significantly affects quality of life and work performance, particularly through fatigue and cognitive symptoms, according to new research.

Author & Year: Prazeres (2025)

Summarised by: Tomisin Antwi

Link to paper: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11905913/

Key Message

Long Covid was associated with reduced quality of life and work performance for healthcare workers in Portugal

Key Points

• 348 healthcare workers employed in hospital or non-hospital facilities in Portugal completed a survey. 
• 64.1% reported a history of Long Covid, with the most common symptoms being persistent cough, extreme fatigue, cognitive dysfunction (decline in mental abilities) and shortness of breath. 
• Long Covid was significantly associated with lower satisfaction with life scores
• Having 2 or more chronic diseases was linked with lower work performance, with extreme fatigue and cognitive dysfunction being the strongest factors

What Was This Study About?

This study aimed to assess the impact of long Covid on work performance and quality of life. 348 healthcare workers working in hospitals or non-hospital facilities in Portugal completed a cross-sectional survey (a type of study that collects data at one point in time). Participants included medical doctors, nurses, clinical secretaries, and health or diagnostic and therapeutic technicians. 

As a cross-sectional study, the findings show associations rather than cause-and-effect relationships.

What Did the Researchers Find?

• A high percentage (64.1%) of the participants reported a history of long Covid, with the most common symptoms being persistent cough, extreme fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and shortness of breath. 
• Long Covid was significantly associated with lower satisfaction with life scores, indicating a negative impact on quality of life. 
• Having 2 or more chronic diseases was linked to lower work performance, with extreme fatigue and cognitive dysfunction having the strongest effect on work performance.

Why this Matters 

• Long Covid is associated with low quality of life and work performance, which could lead to high levels of sick leave and reduced performance in daily activities. 
• This study indicates that healthcare workers with Long Covid need targeted care.
• This study focuses on the impact of Long Covid on healthcare workers but may also be relevant to other groups of workers.
• These findings can guide healthcare authorities to address the long-term consequences of COVID-19.

Read the Full Research Paper

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11905913/