Determinants of work ability among health and social services workers with work-related COVID-19 infection in Germany

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges for health workers worldwide. While previous studies have primarily focused on acute COVID-19 symptoms, limited research has explored the long-term impacts on the work ability of healthcare professionals. This study aims to (1) identify key determinants influencing the work ability of healthcare and social services workers with work-related COVID-19 infection in Germany, with the aim of developing hypotheses for future studies, and (2) discuss interventions from previous studies that could support these workers and improve their work capacity. Methods: Data from a quantitative longitudinal study involving 1,300 healthcare and social services workers in Germany were analyzed. The Work Ability Score (WAS) was used to assess participants' work ability. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify significant predictors affecting work ability. The analysis focused on examining the associations between sociodemographic, health-related, and occupational factors with work ability. Results: Among the study participants, 75.2% reported experiencing post-COVID symptoms, and 51.3% had low levels of work ability. Several factors such as obesity, severe acute symptoms from the initial phase of COVID-19, and post-COVID symptoms were associated with reduced work ability. Workers in residential geriatric care reported lower levels of work ability than hospital workers. Conversely, medical staff had higher work ability levels than nurses. Rehabilitation was also associated with work ability, suggesting potential reverse causality, where workers with lower work ability were more likely to seek rehabilitation. Conclusions: The findings highlight the substantial impact of COVID-19 on the work ability of health and social services workers in Germany. Interventions such as rehabilitation measures and workplace adjustments are needed to mitigate these effects and improve the long-term occupational resilience of healthcare workers affected by the consequences of COVID-19.