Prevalence of and risk factors for post-coronavirus disease 2019 symptoms after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in healthcare workers: A multicenter cross-sectional study in China

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a serious global health threat, and some patients with COVID-19 develop post-COVID-19 symptoms, which are characterized by symptoms following acute infection. In December 2022, China relaxed its strict COVID-19 policies, which was followed by outbreaks. Therefore, it is important to investigate post-COVID-19 symptoms in China to understand their prevalence and risk factors. This multicenter study examined post-COVID-19 symptoms among Chinese healthcare workers to better understand their epidemiology.MethodsHealthcare workers from seven hospitals who met specific COVID-19 and work criteria participated in an anonymous online survey conducted from 17 July to 19 August 2023. The collected data were analyzed using various statistical methods to identify factors associated with self-reported post-COVID-19 symptoms.ResultsOf the 5213 healthcare workers who were included in the study, 17.0% reported post-COVID-19 symptoms. Binary logistic regression confirmed male sex (odds ratio = 1.418, 95% confidence interval: 1.151-1.747), doctor/nurse position (doctor: odds ratio = 1.406, 95% confidence interval: 1.074-1.840; nurse: odds ratio = 1.516, 95% confidence interval: 1.176-1.954), chronic respiratory disease (odds ratio = 1.576, 95% confidence interval: 1.035-2.399), moderate/severe COVID-19 (odds ratio = 1.583, 95% confidence interval: 1.323-1.894), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reinfection (odds ratio = 1.420, 95% confidence interval: 1.219-1.655), and high self-reported COVID-19 severity (odds ratio = 1.707, 95% confidence interval: 1.456-2.001) as post-COVID-19-associated factors.ConclusionOur real-world multicenter study showed that 17% of healthcare workers developed post-COVID-19 symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, targeted interventions are required for healthcare workers. This study provides important insights into the prevention and management of COVID-19 in healthcare workers and the general population.