[Occupational Stress of Long Covid Rehabilitants and Return to Work After Pneumological Rehabilitation].

Background: The Long Covid syndrome, a condition that is induced by SARS-CoV-2, affects patients in their social and professional life due to persistent symptoms and functional deficits. Medical rehabilitation aims to reduce participation incapacity and restore the ability to work. So far, it is not known what happens to the occupational situation of people affected by Long Covid after pneumological rehabilitation.

Methods: The overall study is designed as a multicentric and prospective observational study with a mixed-method design. Covid-19 rehabilitation patients undergoing pneumological rehabilitation aged between 18 and 65 years were recruited. The questionnaire data of persons that were employed at baseline were evaluated. The written survey took place at the beginning and at end of rehabilitation and, additionally, after six months. The data collected included terms such as return to work, occupational stress and changes, subjective prognosis of gainful employment (SPE scale) and occupational performance and working ability (WAI).

Results: The sample comprised N=173 participants (68.2% female) and the average age was 52.5 years. 85.5% of the rehabilitation patients were fit for work six months after rehabilitation and returned to a job. Absenteeism, subjectively perceived performance, and work ability improved statistically significantly over time (p<0.01). The risk of early retirement still existed six months after rehabilitation in 41.3% of the study participants. The participation limitations were statistically significantly reduced during the follow-up with a medium effect size (ES=0.60, p<0.01). In the logistic regression, the WAI proved to be a significantly protective predictor of return to work, while cognitive corona symptoms and high levels of cognitive fatigue proved to be risk factors.

Conclusion: The majority of rehabilitation patients are gainfully employed six months after pneumological rehabilitation, although persistent symptoms and a reduced ability to work are also reported even after rehabilitation. In the rehabilitation of employed persons, work-related elements, for example clarification of work-related questions and preparation for occupational demands (e. g. concentration, stress, physical demands), could support a sustained return to work.