Exploring Long Covid Prevalence and Patient Uncertainty by Sociodemographic Characteristics Using GP Patient Survey Data, 2025, Woodrow, Alwan et al

Link to paper
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/hex.70202
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One in ten people in UK may suffer from long Covid

A study highlights the continuing impact of the pandemic and raises concerns about undiagnosed cases

LINK

 

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/hex.70202

ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Open Access
Exploring Long Covid Prevalence and Patient Uncertainty by Sociodemographic Characteristics Using GP Patient Survey Data

Mirembe Woodrow, Nida Ziauddeen, Dianna Smith, Nisreen A. Alwan
First published: 17 March 2025

https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.70202

ABSTRACT

Background
The high global burden of Long Covid (LC) has significant implications for population well-being, health care, social care and national economies.

Aim
To explore associations between patient sociodemographic and health characteristics with two outcomes: having LC and expressing uncertainty about having LC, as described by general practice (GP) survey respondents.

Design and Setting
Analysis of GP Patient Survey (England), a random sample of 759,149 patients aged 16 years+ registered with a GP in England (2023).

Method
Multivariable logistic regression modelling comparing those with and without LC, and those who were unsure in relation to patient characteristics.

Results
4.8% of respondents reported having LC, and 9.1% were unsure. Significant adjusted associations indicating higher risk of LC included age (highest odds 35−54 years), sex (females), ethnicity (White Gypsy/Irish Traveller, mixed/multiple ethnic groups), sexual orientation (gay/lesbian or bisexual), living in a deprived area, being a carer or a parent and having a long-term condition (LTC). Those aged ≤ 25 years, males, non-binary, heterosexual, not parents or carers, from other White, Indian, Bangladeshi, Chinese, Black or Arab backgrounds, former and current smokers, and with no defined LTC were more likely in adjusted analysis to be unsure about having LC compared to answering ‘yes’.

Conclusion
There is an unequal distribution of LC in England, with the condition being more prevalent in minoritised and disadvantaged groups. There are also high levels of uncertainty about having LC. Improved awareness is needed amongst the general population and health care professionals to ensure those most vulnerable in society are identified and provided with care and support.

Patient or Public Contribution
The analysis builds on previous studies co-created with people with lived experience. A public contributor advised on discussions on dissemination towards optimal impact of this study's findings. Study findings will inform the next phases of the research in which the research questions and design will be co-created with public partners.

How This Fits in
In England there is high prevalence of Long Covid, a COVID-19 infection-induced chronic condition that can limit daily activities significantly. The burden of ill health from Long Covid is unequal, with minoritised groups experiencing higher prevalence. This study adds further evidence of inequality in the prevalence of Long Covid, but also reveals that there are more people who are unsure whether they have Long Covid than those who are confident they have it, with certain groups that are already disadvantaged being more likely to be uncertain if they have the condition. Findings underline a need for greater awareness of Long Covid amongst the public and health care professionals, and for diagnosis, treatment and support to be better distributed according to need.

 

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1076866

News Release 17-Mar-2025
Nearly one in ten unsure if they have Long Covid

Almost 5% have the condition and socially disadvantaged groups are most affected

Peer-Reviewed Publication
University of Southampton


UNDER EMBARGO UNTIL 00:01 AM UK TIME ON TUESDAY 18 MARCH 2025

Almost one in ten people (9.1%) in England think they could have Long Covid but aren’t sure, according to a new analysis of NHS England survey data by the University of Southampton.

Researchers also found that 4.8% of people reported having Long Covid, with higher rates among people living in deprived areas, people with particular ethnic backgrounds, parents or carers, and those with another long-term condition.

The findings are published today [18 March] in the journal Health Expectations.

Professor Nisreen A Alwan, who has pioneered research into Long Covid since 2020 and who co-authored the study, said: “This analysis adds further evidence of the unfairness of Long Covid, with people who are already disadvantaged in society more likely to be affected.

“It also shows us that many people aren’t sure if they have it, and may need diagnosis, treatment and support.

“Long Covid is still a very significant issue impacting individuals, families, the economy and wider society. We need to do more to prevent it, diagnose it, and properly support people who are affected by it.”

Long Covid is a chronic condition induced by COVID-19 infection that can have a significant impact on people’s daily lives. Symptoms include fatigue, feeling short of breath, ‘brain fog’, and heart palpitations, amongst many others.

University of Southampton researchers analysed over 750,000 responses to the GP Patient Survey (England) 2023 to explore the prevalence of Long Covid, and the factors associated with both having the condition and being uncertain of having it.

They found that people aged under 25yrs, males, people from particular ethnic minorities, and people without long-term conditions were more likely to be unsure if they had Long Covid.

Men are generally less likely to seek medical advice than women, which could partly explain their higher level of uncertainty. The team also say stigma and self-doubt could discourage people from seeking a diagnosis.

Mirembe Woodrow, who is studying for a PhD at Southampton and who carried out the analysis, said: “We were really surprised to find so many people weren’t sure whether they had Long Covid or not, and the study shows there is still work to do to increase awareness of the condition and remove barriers to accessing diagnosis, treatment and support.

“We don’t want Long Covid to be another factor that contributes to the widening health gap in the UK.”

The most recent data from the 2024 GP Patient Survey indicates Long Covid prevalence and uncertainty are not declining (5.0% and 9.0%). Professor Alwan’s team intends to carry out further work using the survey to understand what could be driving inequality in prevalence, impact and support for Long Covid.

Exploring Long Covid prevalence and patient uncertainty by sociodemographic characteristics using GP Patient Survey data is published in Health Expectations and is available online.

Ends

Contact

Steve Williams, Media Manager, University of Southampton, press@soton.ac.uk or 023 8059 3212.

Notes for editors

1. Exploring Long Covid prevalence and patient uncertainty by sociodemographic characteristics using GP Patient Survey data is published in Health Expectations. An advanced copy of the paper is available upon request.
2. For Interviews with Professor Nisreen A Alwan please contact Steve Williams, Media Manager, University of Southampton press@soton.ac.uk or 023 8059 3212.

Additional information

The University of Southampton drives original thinking, turns knowledge into action and impact, and creates solutions to the world’s challenges. We are among the top 100 institutions globally (QS World University Rankings 2025). Our academics are leaders in their fields, forging links with high-profile international businesses and organisations, and inspiring a 22,000-strong community of exceptional students, from over 135 countries worldwide. Through our high-quality education, the University helps students on a journey of discovery to realise their potential and join our global network of over 200,000 alumni. www.southampton.ac.uk

www.southampton.ac.uk/news/contact-press-team.page

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Journal
Health Expectations

DOI
10.1111/hex.70202

Method of Research
Survey

Subject of Research
People

Article Title
Exploring Long Covid prevalence and patient uncertainty by sociodemographic characteristics using GP Patient Survey data

Article Publication Date
18-Mar-2025

COI Statement
None declared

 

Honestly, that's probably balanced by the number of people with LC who have had such a horrible experience with health care services that they won't bother with such surveys, or basically anything out of health care services, or expect that it will be misconstrued, adopting a "screw those gaslighting jerks" attitude. Which is a reasonable response to being gaslighted and treated like crap by unaccountable services unfit for this purpose.

I wouldn't bother much myself. I don't consider the health care system to work for me. I know it works against me. I'd just expect the worst to be done with those data, it almost always happens. Impossible to know for sure, but there is bias both ways here, and the bias against LC is so extreme that it may actually even be more significant, especially when you add in the mess of confusion over what it even means and how most people have never heard of it, or heard about it in a way that is so unlike what it is that they're pretty sure they have something much more serious.