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. 2024 Mar;40(2):292-302.
doi: 10.1111/jrh.12796. Epub 2023 Sep 16.

SARS-CoV-2 infection and long COVID among California farmworkers

Ana M Mora  1 , Katherine Kogut  1 , Nimrat K Sandhu  2 , Derry Ridgway  3 , Chris M Patty  4 , Melissa Renteria  2 , Norma Morga  1 , Maria T Rodriguez  1 , Monica Romero  1 , Jose M Valdovinos  1 , Alma Torres-Nguyen  4 , Omar Guzman  4 , Mario Martinez  4 , Richard L Doty  5 , Ana Padilla  6 , Edward Flores  6 , Paul M Brown  2 , Brenda Eskenazi  1 ; California Farmworker Health Study Team
Affiliations

SARS-CoV-2 infection and long COVID among California farmworkers

Ana M Mora et al. J Rural Health. 2024 Mar.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of long COVID and identify its clinical manifestations among farmworkers in California.

Methods: We collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometrics, clinical chemistries and anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G antibodies, self-reported SARS-CoV-2 infection history, and standardized health tests and scales from 297 farmworkers in California between February and July 2022.

Results: Most participants were born in Mexico or Central America, had less than a high school diploma, and were overweight or obese. The prevalence of long COVID (defined as self-reported SARS-CoV-2 infection with symptoms >28 days) among farmworkers with a suspected or test-confirmed infection was 61.8%. Participants with long COVID had higher mean [95% CI] body mass index (32.9 [31.6-34.1]) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels (4.8 [3.7, 6.0]) than those with no COVID-19 history (30.5 [29.3-31.7], and 3.3 [2.2, 4.3], respectively). Farmworkers with long COVID also reported greater fatigue, dyspnea, taste and smell problems, and overall poorer mental and physical health, than those with no COVID-19 history. Farmworkers with long COVID had increased odds of functional limitations compared to those with a self-reported SARS-CoV-2 infection with symptoms ≤28 days (OR [95% CI]: 7.46 [3.26, 17.09]).

Conclusions: A significant proportion of farmworkers experience long COVID with persistent symptoms that limit their ability to perform their work. A comprehensive approach that addresses the unique needs and challenges of farmworkers is warranted given this population's high prevalence of long COVID and the essential nature of their work.

Keywords: California; SARS-CoV-2 infection; agriculture; farmworker health; long COVID.

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References

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