According to a recent study conducted by researchers at University College London (UCL), pain appears to be the most frequently reported and intense symptom among individuals suffering from long Covid.
This research, which is published in JRSM Open, examined the experiences of over 1,000 participants in England and Wales who documented their symptoms via an app from November 2020 to March 2022.
Among these symptoms, pain—such as headaches, joint discomfort, and abdominal pain—was cited by 26.5% of those surveyed as the predominant issue.
Other frequently reported symptoms included psychological concerns like anxiety and depression (18.4%), exhaustion (14.3%), and breathlessness (7.4%). Notably, the severity of these symptoms, particularly pain, was found to increase by an average of 3.3% for each month since participants first enrolled.
The study also analyzed how demographic factors affected symptom severity, uncovering notable differences among various groups. Older participants reported significantly more intense symptoms, with those aged 68-77 experiencing 32.8% greater severity, and those aged 78-87 showing an 86% rise in symptom intensity compared to the 18-27 age group.
Gender differences were evident, as women reported symptoms, including pain, that were 9.2% more intense than those reported by men. Additionally, ethnicity played a role, with non-white individuals with long Covid experiencing 23.5% more severe symptoms than their white counterparts.
The research also looked into the correlation between education levels and symptom severity. Participants with higher educational qualifications (NVQ level 3, 4, and 5—which correspond to A-levels or higher) experienced notably less severe symptoms, including pain, with reductions of 27.7%, 62.8%, and 44.7% across NVQ levels 3, 4, and 5 respectively when compared to those with lower educational backgrounds (NVQ level 1-2, equivalent to GCSEs).
Socioeconomic status, assessed using the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), also affected symptom intensity. Individuals from less deprived backgrounds reported milder symptoms than those from the most deprived areas. However, the overall number of symptoms did not differ significantly based on socioeconomic status, indicating that while deprivation may intensify symptoms, it does not necessarily result in a wider variety of symptoms.
Lead investigator Dr. David Sunkersing from the UCL Institute of Health Informatics stated: “This study emphasizes pain as a key self-reported symptom of long Covid and indicates that demographic factors significantly influence symptom severity.”
“With ongoing Covid-19 cases (like the LB.1 and D-FLiRT variants), the potential for an increase in long Covid cases is a critical concern. Our findings can inform targeted interventions and support efforts for those most vulnerable.”
In their paper, the researchers called for continued support for long Covid clinics and for the development of treatment strategies that focus on pain management, in addition to addressing other common symptoms like psychological issues and fatigue.
Given the considerable effects of demographic factors on symptom severity, the study highlighted the necessity for healthcare policies to address these inequities, ensuring fair treatment for all individuals affected by long Covid, according to the researchers.
Limitations of the study included a lack of data regarding other health conditions participants may have faced, as well as an absence of information on their health histories. The researchers noted that some individuals with severe Covid or those facing technological or socioeconomic challenges in accessing a smartphone app may have been excluded.
This investigation was conducted by the UCL Institute of Health Informatics and the Department of Primary Care and Population Health at UCL, in partnership with the app developer, Living With Ltd.
