Long COVID in Persons With Self‐Reported Arthritis: Symptoms, Associated Factors, and Functional Limitations

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim is to describe both long COVID symptoms and associated factors in a cohort of individuals with a self‐reported history of arthritis as well as change in function in persons with arthritis and long COVID compared to pre‐COVID status.MethodsAmong 2,764 persons with a confirmed COVID‐19 diagnosis who responded to an online survey at least 12 weeks post‐infection, 171 reported a history of arthritis and formed our study sample. We calculated the frequency of long COVID defined as troubled by persistent symptoms and evaluated associated factors using bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression. Among those with long COVID, we describe limitations in activity and function in comparison to pre‐COVID status.ResultsIn our sample, 53.5% (n = 91) reported being troubled by ongoing symptoms at the time of completing the questionnaire (long COVID), with the most frequent symptoms as the following: fatigue, myalgia, weakness, breathlessness, low mood, anxiety, and sleep disturbance. Factors associated with long COVID were female sex, having been hospitalized for COVID, and having at least 1 other chronic disease. Persons with long COVID had substantial declines in function, notably in global health status, usual activities, mobility, personal care, and employment status. Also, 37% of those with long COVID reported moderate to severe increase in pain.ConclusionPersons with arthritis who have long COVID have substantial limitations in function compared to their pre‐COVID status. There is a need to implement effective interventions to improve functional status in persons with arthritis and long COVID.