Self-perceived health status in health workers 3 and 6 months after a SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19)

Background: After the acute period of infection by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19), multi-organ signs and symptoms may remain. This study tried to compare the perception of the state of health and the sequelae in Navarra-Osasunbidea health workers after COVID-19, with the previous situation through the Health Survey. Methods: Through a descriptive cross-sectional study, using a reduced questionnaire from the 2017 National Health Survey sent to health workers from the NavarreOsasunbidea Health Service COVID-19 cases after 3 and 6 months, from April to July 2021 and compared with 2017. Differences were described through means, percentages and prevalence ratio, with 95% confidence intervals. Results: Of 938 surveys sent, 93 of 3 months (46.3%) and 305 of 6 months (41.4%) were received, 87% of women and 13% of men and 43 years of average age and 64.3% were from nursing and 19.1% from medicine. The percentage that assessed their health status as good or very good was significantly lower at 6 months than health workers and the general population in 2017 (70.2% vs 80.4% and 75.5%), the limitation for the habitual activity (39.8% and 35.1% vs 18.3%), headache 2.7 times more frequent, the days of activity restriction (41.5 and 26.7 vs 7.5) and on bed. Mental health problems, concentration (45.2% and 43.9%), loss of sleep (44.1% and 43.3%) and consumption of tranquilizers and antidepressants (2 and 3 times more) stood out, although not of medical consultations. Conclusions: Navarre health workers diagnosed with COVID-19 in 2020 and early 2021 refer to the worst assessment of their health status at 3 and 6 months, greater limitation for usual activities, more frequent headaches and mental health problems, compared to the pre pandemic period.