Impairment of Work Ability and neuropsychological effects among workers who have had COVID-19

Abstract

COVID-19 is a multisystemic disease, with functional and late consequences still under study. Psychological and neurocognitive sequelae impact workers’ quality of life and may compromise the Work Ability (WA). The objective was to investigate the WA of people infected with SARS-CoV-2, correlating it with the assessment of sleepiness, anxiety, depression and fatigue. Cross-sectional study, involving workers diagnosed
with COVID-19 under follow-up at the Department of Neurology of Universidade Estadual de Campinas
(UNICAMP). Application of the Work Ability Index (WAI) analyzed with sociodemographic and occupational variables, as well the sleepiness, anxiety, depression and fatigue scales. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. 119 workers participated in the study and, among them, more than half had WA impairment (52.9%). Emotional disorders were the most frequent reported problem (31.9%). Multiple logistic regression showed that the interaction between anxiety and sleepiness was associated with WA impairment (OR=4.50, p=0.002). Anxiety and sleepiness were associated with previous COVID-19 and they were associated with WA impairment among workers. This study shows the WA evaluation should be provided for all workers with a
previous history of COVID-19, when they return to work.