Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41074231›Full record

ArticleBMC infectious diseases2025

Long-term symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection in a cohort of healthcare workers in Qatar.

Shuja Reagu, Majid Alabdulla, Nisha Kalariparambil Abdul Kader, Nighat Ara Ajmal, Sara Kamal Hassan Abdelgafar, Ovais Wadoo

Abstract read
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Article in BMC infectious diseases, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Shuja Reagu *Department of Psychiatry, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
Majid Alabdulla *Department of Psychiatry, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
Nisha Kalariparambil Abdul KaderDepartment of Psychiatry, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
Nighat Ara AjmalDepartment of Psychiatry, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
Sara Kamal Hassan AbdelgafarDepartment of Psychiatry, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
Ovais WadooDepartment of Psychiatry, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. OWadoo@hamad.qa.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundDuring the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic, healthcare workers faced a significantly elevated risk of exposure and infection compared to the general population due to their frontline roles in patient care. This heightened risk was compounded by the nature of their work environment and prolonged contact with infected individuals. Despite extensive research on the virus’s immediate impact, limited data exists regarding the prevalence of long-term symptoms, commonly referred to as Long COVID, among healthcare workers. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence and profile of long-term symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection, along with associated risk factors, among healthcare workers, with a particular focus on regional data from the Middle East, and to contextualize these findings within the global evidence base.

methodsThis cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted among healthcare workers at Hamad Medical Corporation, the largest healthcare provider in Qatar, between 24 January 2022 and 24 April 2022. Healthcare workers aged 18 years or older, including physicians, nurses, allied healthcare professionals, and administrative staff, were eligible to participate. The survey assessed the prevalence of Long COVID-19 symptoms, and the symptoms of depression, and anxiety. Over a four-week data collection period, we received 783 complete responses, which exceeded the minimum required sample size.

resultsOf the respondents, three-quarters reported long-term symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and one-third reported more than three symptoms. Fatigue was the most common symptom. Gender disparities were observed, with females experiencing a higher incidence of symptoms. Significant associations were identified between a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, a psychiatric history, symptoms of depression, and the development of multiple Long COVID-19 symptoms.

conclusionThese findings highlight the significant burden of Long COVID-19 symptoms on healthcare workers well-being in Qatar. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions to support them, especially those at greater risk of adverse outcomes. From a healthcare system perspective, addressing Long COVID-19 symptoms among healthcare workers is critical to maintaining a resilient workforce. This includes implementing access to mental health resources, structured follow-up, and workplace accommodation.

Indexed as

COVID-19Health PersonnelAdultAnxietyCross-Sectional StudiesDepressionFemaleFrontline WorkersHumansMaleMiddle AgedPost-Acute COVID-19 SyndromePrevalenceQatarRisk FactorsSARS-CoV-2COVID-19Health PersonnelLong COVIDOccupational ExposurePost Acute COVID 19 syndromeSARS-CoV-2

Identifiers

PMID41074231
PMCPMC12512488

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.