BACKGROUND: Various factors associated with long COVID have been evidenced, but the heterogeneity of definitions and epidemiological investigations has often hidden risk pathways relevant for understanding and preventing this condition. METHODS: This nationwide random sampling survey conducted in France after the Omicron waves in autumn 2022 assessed eight sets of factors potentially associated with long COVID in a structured epidemiological investigation based on a conceptual model accounting for the relationships between these sets of factors. A representative sample of 1813 adults of whom 55% were infected with SARS-CoV-2 was assessed for infection dates and context, post-COVID symptoms and these factors. Four definitions of long COVID, including the World Health Organisation's, were used. RESULTS: Female sex, household size (≥2), low financial security, negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on occupation and work conditions, number of comorbidities (≥2), presence of respiratory disease, mental and sensory disorders, number of SARS-CoV-2 infections (≥2) and initial symptoms (≥6), perceived high severity of COVID-19 are positively and consistently associated with long COVID. Age ≥ 75 years, retirement, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (≥2 doses) and good perceived information regarding long Covid are negatively associated with the condition. CONCLUSIONS: The broad spectrum of factors confirmed here strongly suggests that long COVID should be regarded not only as a direct complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection but also as driven by a broader network of contextual, medical, psychological and social factors. These factors should be better considered in strategies aimed at limiting the long COVID burden in the general population.
Auteur : Coste Joël, Delpierre Cyrille, Robineau Olivier, Rushyizekera Melissa, Richard Jean-Baptiste, Alleaume Caroline, Gallay Anne, Tebeka Sarah, Steichen Olivier, Lemogne Cédric, Makovski Tatjana T
Communications medicine, 2025, vol. 5, n°. 1, p. 114
