664. Attitudes about COVID and Community Engagement with Patients (ACCEPt): Global Survey Reveals the Ongoing Impact of Long COVID-19 on Medically Vulnerable Populations, Five Years On

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Authors: Roger Paredes, Jennifer Bodie, Nikola Brigden, Antonella Cardone, Ashley S. Cha-Silva, Maria Fernandez, Daniel Gallego, Romina Quercia, Jason Resendez, Doris C. Schmitt, Frank Spinelli, Mariano Votta
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Abstract

Abstract Background COVID-19 continues to disproportionately impact medically vulnerable populations. To assess COVID-19’s ongoing burden on these individuals and address data gaps in post-pandemic care, the COVID Community Council (The Council), eight global representatives from medically vulnerable patient organizations, co-created the ‘Attitudes about COVID and Community Engagement with Patients’ (ACCEPt) survey. Comparison of survey responses between baseline and Long COVID populations Prevalence of reported Long COVID symptoms among respondents (n=520) Methods The survey included adults with risk factors for progression to severe COVID-19 and self-reported COVID-19 diagnosis since January 2022 (irrespective of previous diagnoses) from the United States, Spain, Germany, Australia, and Canada. The 41-question online survey assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices across several domains, including Long COVID symptoms (defined here as persistent symptoms lasting for >3 months). Self-reported responses were analyzed using descriptive summary statistics. Correlation between Long COVID symptom impact on daily life and self-reported general health (n=520) Reported duration of Long COVID symptoms by number of respondents (n=520) Results Of 2500 respondents, 20.8% reported Long COVID symptoms, of whom 42.1% endured symptoms >1 year and 22.9% for >2 years. Of those with Long COVID symptoms, most (90.0%) reported moderate to significant impact on daily life, with 85.4% and 67.7% agreeing that COVID-19 had worsened their physical and mental health, respectively. All respondents in “very bad” general health noted a significant daily impact vs 33.3% in "very good" health. While most were vaccinated against COVID-19 (92.7%), 29.3% had not received a vaccine dose in >2 years. Despite meeting survey inclusion criteria for risk factors for severe COVID-19, 31.9% did not consider themselves high-risk. 62.9% were not offered antiviral treatment during their most recent acute COVID-19 illness. Only 48.3% of those with Long COVID symptoms were diagnosed with Long COVID, and many (44.8%) received less than moderate support from friends, family, and caregivers. Further, of the 76.9% who consulted a healthcare provider (HCP), 41.3% noted receiving less than moderate support. Conclusion Over 1 in 5 medically vulnerable individuals globally face ongoing effects of COVID-19, often with limited support. Self-reported findings from respondents of this survey highlight the urgent need for improved HCP education and support systems for Long COVID in these populations. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Fields of Study & Subjects

Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 COVID-19 Clinical Research Studies COVID-19 and Mental Health

Publication details

Journal / source
Open Forum Infectious Diseases
Volume
13
Issue
Supplement_1
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN