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Return-to-work with long COVID: An Episodic Disability and Total Worker Health® analysis

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  • Stelson, Elisabeth A.
  • Dash, Devanshi
  • McCorkell, Lisa
  • Wilson, Cali
  • Assaf, Gina
  • Re'em, Yochai
  • Wei, Hannah

Abstract

A growing number of working individuals have developed long COVID (LC) after COVID-19 infection. Economic analyses indicate that workers' LC symptoms contribute to workforce shortages. However, factors that affect return-to-work from perspectives of people with LC remain largely underexplored. This qualitative study of people with LC conducted by researchers living with LC aimed to identify participants' return-to-work experiences using Total Worker Health® and Episodic Disability frameworks. 10% of participants who participated in a mixed-method global internet survey, had LC symptoms >3 months, and responded in English were randomly selected for thematic analysis using NVivo12. 15% of responses were independently double-coded to identify coding discrepancies. Participants (N = 510) were predominately white and had at least a baccalaureate degree. Four primary work-related themes emerged: 1) strong desire and need to return to work motivated by sense of purpose and financial precarity; 2) diverse and episodic LC symptoms intersect with organization of work and home life; 3) pervasiveness of LC disbelief and stigma at work and in medical settings; and 4) support of medical providers is key to successful return-to-work. Participants described how fluctuation of symptoms, exacerbated by work-related tasks, made returning to work challenging. Participants’ ability to work was often predicated on job accommodations and support. Non-work factors were also essential, especially being able to receive an LC medical diagnosis (key to accessing leave and accommodations) and help at home to manage non-work activities. Many participants described barriers accessing these supports, illuminating stigma and disbelief in LC as a medical condition. Qualitative findings indicate needs for workplace accommodations tailored to fluctuating symptoms, continuously re-evaluated by workers and supervisors together. Reductions in medical barriers to access work accommodations is also critical since many medical providers remain unaware of LC, and workers may lack a positive COVID test result.

Suggested Citation

  • Stelson, Elisabeth A. & Dash, Devanshi & McCorkell, Lisa & Wilson, Cali & Assaf, Gina & Re'em, Yochai & Wei, Hannah, 2023. "Return-to-work with long COVID: An Episodic Disability and Total Worker Health® analysis," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 338(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:338:y:2023:i:c:s0277953623006937
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116336
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    References listed on IDEAS

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