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Long Covid: A Hidden Burden on Health

Long Covid affects millions, complicating lives and healthcare access in the UK.

― 5 min read


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Long COVID is a condition that some people experience after having COVID-19. It can last for many weeks or months after the initial infection. According to estimates from early 2024, around two million adults and children in the UK reported having Long Covid, which is about 3.3% of the population. Many of these people have experienced symptoms for over a year, and a significant number say it makes daily activities difficult.

Who is Affected by Long Covid?

The prevalence of Long Covid appears to differ among groups of people. Studies show that certain factors increase the likelihood of experiencing this condition. For instance, women are more likely to report Long Covid than men. Age also plays a role, with those in their 30s to 60s more affected compared to younger individuals or those over 65. Being overweight, smoking, and belonging to specific ethnic minority groups are additional factors associated with a higher chance of developing Long Covid.

Living in areas with higher levels of Deprivation can also increase the risk of Long Covid. This leads to concerns about fairness since some groups are more likely to be affected than others.

The Burden of Long Covid

The impact of Long Covid goes beyond the individuals who suffer from it. It has significant effects on everyday life and highlights gaps in support and treatment options. Many people are unsure if they have Long Covid due to a lack of awareness, which complicates seeking help. Such uncertainty might stem from stigma and barriers in society, leaving those who feel unwell confused about their condition.

General Practice Patient Survey

To better understand Long Covid, the General Practice Patient Survey (GPPS) collects health-related information from people in England. This survey asks participants about their experiences with healthcare and their general health. In 2022, a new question about Long Covid was added, making it easier to track who is affected.

The GPPS is sent to a random group of registered patients, and they can respond in various ways, including online and by phone. The survey gathers data from millions of people, ensuring a representation of different regions and demographics in England.

Key Findings from the 2023 Survey

In 2023, over 759,000 people responded to the survey. Of those, about 4.8% reported experiencing Long Covid, which translates to approximately 35,445 individuals. The prevalence varied by region, with the North West showing the highest rates while the South West had the lowest.

Certain groups reported higher rates of Long Covid. For example, 9% of those who described themselves as permanently sick or disabled reported having the condition. Unemployed individuals and those unable to work due to Health Issues were also more likely to report Long Covid.

Women made up 59.9% of those with Long Covid. The condition appeared most frequently among those aged 35-64 years. The survey highlighted that living in areas with higher deprivation increased the likelihood of reporting Long Covid symptoms.

Additionally, people identifying as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or other sexual orientations reported higher rates of Long Covid than heterosexual individuals. Parents and caregivers also showed higher rates, likely due to their exposure to COVID-19 through schools and caring responsibilities.

Uncertainty Surrounding Long Covid

Many respondents were unsure if they had Long Covid. Around 9.1% of participants did not know if they qualified for the condition. Younger individuals, particularly those aged 16-24, often felt less confident in identifying their symptoms.

Males and non-binary individuals were also more likely to be unsure compared to females. In contrast, parents and caregivers were generally less uncertain about their condition. This suggests that awareness and understanding among various groups impact how people perceive their health.

What Contributes to Uncertainty?

Uncertainty about having Long Covid could arise from various factors. Some people might not recognize their symptoms as related to Long Covid or might confuse them with other health issues. Low health literacy could make it harder for individuals to advocate for their own health or to seek answers.

Additionally, stigma and societal attitudes towards those with Long Covid may discourage individuals from identifying as having it, especially among younger groups who may feel a greater need to appear healthy.

Strengths and Limitations of the Study

This analysis benefits from a large and diverse sample size, making its findings significant. However, there are limitations, such as the lack of detailed information about the symptoms or severity of Long Covid. Also, the survey did not inquire about when symptoms began or whether respondents had received vaccinations, which might provide further context.

The study’s findings reveal that many people, particularly from underprivileged and marginalized backgrounds, struggle with Long Covid while remaining uncertain about their status. This calls for a better distribution of healthcare resources to support those in need.

The Way Forward

Addressing the effects of Long Covid requires a multi-faceted approach. Awareness campaigns can help inform the public about the symptoms and risks associated with Long Covid. Education for healthcare professionals is also crucial, helping them recognize and address barriers faced by patients seeking support.

It is vital to enhance support systems to ensure people affected by Long Covid can access appropriate healthcare. Communities and healthcare providers can work together to improve outreach to those who may be unaware of their condition.

Conclusion

Long Covid is a significant health issue in the UK, affecting a sizeable portion of the population. The condition shows varied prevalence across different demographics, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing these disparities. Increasing awareness, combatting stigma, and ensuring equitable access to healthcare resources will be essential in helping those affected by Long Covid.

Original Source

Title: Using General Practice Patient Survey data to explore prevalence and patient uncertainty about Long Covid

Abstract: BackgroundThe high global burden of Long Covid (LC) has significant implications for population wellbeing, healthcare, social care and national economies. AimTo explore associations between patient sociodemographic and health characteristics with two outcomes: reporting having LC and expressing uncertainty about having LC, as described by general practice (GP) survey respondents. Design and settingAnalysis of GP Patient Survey (England), a random sample of 759,149 patients aged 16yrs+ registered with a GP in England (2023). MethodMultivariable logistic regression modelling comparing those with and without LC, and those who were unsure in relation to patient characteristics. Results4.8% of respondents reported having LC, and 9.1% were unsure. Significant adjusted associations indicating higher risk of LC included age (highest odds 35-54yrs), sex (females), ethnicity (White Gypsy/Irish Traveller, mixed/multiple ethnic groups), sexual orientation (gay/lesbian or bisexual), living in a deprived area, being a carer or a parent and having a long-term condition (LTC). Those aged [≤]25yrs, males, non-binary, heterosexual, not parents or carers, from other white, Indian, Bangladeshi, Chinese, Black or Arab backgrounds, former and current smokers, and with no defined LTC were more likely to be unsure about having LC compared to answering yes. ConclusionThere is an unequal distribution of LC in England, with the condition being more prevalent in minoritised and disadvantaged groups. There are also high levels of uncertainty about having LC. Improved awareness is needed amongst the general population and healthcare professionals to ensure those most vulnerable in society are identified and provided with care and support.

Authors: Nisreen A Alwan, M. Woodrow, N. Ziauddeen, D. Smith

Last Update: 2024-10-27 00:00:00

Language: English

Source URL: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.25.24316047

Source PDF: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.25.24316047.full.pdf

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Changes: This summary was created with assistance from AI and may have inaccuracies. For accurate information, please refer to the original source documents linked here.

Thank you to medrxiv for use of its open access interoperability.

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