A recent study by researchers at the University of Southampton has found that nearly one-tenth of UK adults believe they may have long COVID but are uncertain about their diagnosis. The findings, published in Health Expectations, highlight ongoing confusion about the chronic condition years after the COVID-19 pandemic began.
The study, based on a random sample of 759,149 patients aged 16 and older, asked respondents if they described themselves as having ‘Long Covid’, which is characterized by symptoms persisting more than 12 weeks after initial infection. The survey revealed that:
* 4.8% of respondents reported having long COVID
* 9.1% were unsure about their diagnosis
* Disability and low-income were the most strongly correlated factors with long COVID, increasing the risk by 1.12 times for each group
The study also found higher rates of long COVID among people living in deprived areas (47% higher) and those from vulnerable groups, such as deaf individuals using sign language (14.6%), those with Alzheimer’s/dementia (9.2%), autism (8.8%), breathing conditions (9.0%), or mental health conditions (9.2%).
The researchers emphasize the need to increase awareness of long COVID and remove barriers to diagnosis, treatment, and support for those affected.
Source: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/uncertainty-about-long-covid-lingers-years-after-pandemic-began