Prevalence of Acute and Chronic Pain and Associated Factors in COVID-19 Patients with an Occupational Health Approach

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated symptoms have had significant impacts on individuals' health and functional abilities. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of acute and chronic pain among inpatients during the years 2020 to 2022 and explore the potential consequences on their functional capacity and return to work.

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in a selected hospital in Yazd Province. The study population consisted of 384 patients. Data were collected through a review of hospital records and telephone interviews. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 26.

Results: The most common reported acute pains included body pain (59.4%), chest pain (29.2%), and lower back pain (27.9%). Both acute and chronic body pain were reported more frequently in men than in women (p < 0.05). In the age group of 70–94 years, acute body and chest pain as well as chronic headache, back pain, body pain, and chest pain were significantly more prevalent (p < 0.05). Regarding marital status, only chronic body pain and back pain were significantly more common among single patients (p < 0.05). Body pain, acute and chronic chest pain significantly increases with prolonged hospitalization (p<0.05).

Conclusion: COVID-19 is associated with a considerable prevalence of both acute and chronic pain, which may have important implications for functional capacity, return-to-work decisions, and post-recovery work absenteeism. Incorporating the assessment and management of post-COVID pain into occupational health surveillance and return-to-work planning is therefore recommended.