Exploring Correlates of Mental Health and Employment in Individuals With Long COVID: A Secondary Data Analysis.

Anujuo, Kenneth O; Ikuabe, Peter O; Ebuenyi, Ikenna D · J Occup Environ Med · 2026

cross_sectional · Level IV

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Abstract

Long COVID is a major public health challenge with mental health and socioeconomic consequences for affected individuals. We examined the mental health and socioeconomic correlates of long COVID using a secondary dataset. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1901 participants. Outcome variable was employment and with long COVID as a major predictor. The association between long COVID and employment was assessed using logistic regression analysis. 60.9% of participants with long COVID reported being employed compared to 61.7% of participants without long COVID. 53.2% of participants with mental health reported being employed compared to 44.7% of participants without mental health. This study highlights existing challenges in employment among individuals with long COVID and mental disorders. There is a need to develop interventions that address both the mental health and socioeconomic needs of individuals with long COVID.

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