Sex and occupational differences in long COVID prevalence among healthcare workers: a multicentre registry-based study in three Spanish hospitals.

Publication date: Jul 15, 2026

To estimate the prevalence of long COVID identified through hospital registry data and examine associated occupational and demographic factors among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Spain. A multicentre study was conducted between 2020 and 2023 in three Spanish hospitals (Madrid, n = 1; Barcelona, n = 2). Long COVID prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated overall and by sex, age group, and occupational category. Associations between long COVID and occupational category were assessed using Poisson regression models with robust variance, stratified by sex and hospital, and adjusted by age and occupation. Registry data included 8,439 HCWs. Long COVID prevalence ranged from 3. 0% to 5. 0% and increased with age, with an adjusted prevalence ratio (PR) increase of 3-9% per year. Occupational differences were more pronounced among men. In University Hospital Ramon y Cajal, male nurses (PR 2. 56; 95% CI 1. 13-5. 81) and other HCWs (PR 3. 67; 95% CI 1. 12-12. 08) had higher prevalence compared with physicians. In Hospital Parc Tauli, male nurse assistants (PR 20. 33; 95% CI 3. 64-113. 42) and support staff (PR 8. 30; 95% CI 1. 46-47. 19) showed markedly elevated prevalence, although confidence intervals were wide. Among women, occupational associations were weaker and less consistent. Overall sex differences were modest, but sex modified the association between occupational role and long COVID prevalence. Long COVID affected approximately 3-5% of HCWs across participating hospitals. Occupational differences in long COVID prevalence were observed, although estimates varied across centres. These findings highlight the importance of occupational health surveillance and follow-up strategies that consider both occupational role and potential sex-specific patterns.

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