Association of workplace stressors prior to infection and the development of Long COVID among workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cohort study in Japan

Abstract

Objectives: Long COVID is a global health concern. Although various risk factors are known, the link between workplace factors and Long COVID is underexplored. We conducted a cohort study to examine the impact of preinfection workplace stressors on Long COVID among Japanese workers, with the aim of improving understanding of its disease process and inform workplace management.

Methods: This prospective cohort study used online survey data collected in December 2020 and December 2022 from 1539 participants with no initial infection history but later reported COVID-19. Workplace stressors were assessed at baseline using the Job Content Questionnaire, which measured job demands, job control, and social support. At the follow-up survey, COVID-19 infection was determined by self-reported positive SARS-CoV-2 test by polymerase chain reaction or antigen, and development of Long COVID was defined as symptoms persisting for over 2 months. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses estimated odds ratios (ORs) for the association between workplace stressors and the development of Long COVID.

Results: Of the participants, 248 reported Long COVID. Univariate analysis showed that both high job demands (OR: 1.55; 95% CI, 1.09-2.20) and poor job control (OR: 1.50; 95% CI, 1.04-2.18) increased the odds. Poor supervisor support (OR: 1.73; 95% CI, 1.16-2.58) and co-worker support (OR: 1.59; 95% CI, 1.13-2.23) were also significant. On multivariate analysis, job demands remained significantly associated with Long COVID.

Conclusions: Our findings indicate that preinfection workplace stressors may contribute to Long COVID development in workers. Managing workplace stressors effectively could be a preventive measure.

Keywords: COVID-19; Japan; Long COVID; job content questionnaire; workers; workplace stressor.