Post COVID-19 Condition in Healthcare Workers in Quebec: Functional impact

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An epidemiological investigation was conducted during the summer of 2023 among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Quebec to estimate the frequency of post COVID-19 condition (PCC), its functional impacts, and its progression over a two-year follow-up period. This second report presents the results on the functional impact of PCC from the first phase of the investigation.

At the time of the investigation, around 6% (24,000) of all HCWs in Quebec were experiencing symptoms of PCC, with mild PCC (24%), moderate PCC (43%), severe PCC (18%), and very severe PCC (15%) according to self-reported symptoms.
Over 50% of PCC cases reported worse physical performance than before the pandemic. A serious limitation to physical activity (shortness of breath on level ground) was reported by 22% of PCC cases, compared to 3% to 6% of HCWs without PCC.
Cognitive difficulties in daily activities were reported three times more often by PCC cases than by HCWs without PCC.
Two-thirds of PCC cases reported psychological distress, compared to one-third of HCWs without PCC. PCC-related distress increased with the severity of the PCC.
The majority of PCC cases were still in paid employment at the time of the investigation, but 12% had reduced their working hours and 6% had changed to a less demanding job.
Absences of 25 or more workdays for health-related reasons in the last year were reported by 26% of PCC cases, compared with 10% of HCWs without PCC. Risk of absenteeism exceeding 100 days was associated with the number of PCC symptoms, the presence of fatigue or moderate or severe cognitive symptoms, and history of depressive disorder, chronic lung disease, and diabetes.
Among HCWs who had been in paid employment over the four prior weeks, PCC cases experienced difficulties meeting work demands an average of 27% of the time, compared to 18% for HCWs without PCC. The risk of experiencing functional difficulties at work was associated with the number of PCC symptoms, the presence of fatigue or cognitive symptoms, female sex, and age below 55 years.
In summary, all functional impact indicators worsened as the severity of PCC increased. Physical performance and the capacity to meet the physical demands of work were the most strongly affected indicators.
The work-related psychosocial risk factors most likely to influence work functioning and job retention among HCWs with PCC were: quantitative demands, work-life conflicts, role conflicts, work quality, and recognition.