Longitudinal and socio-demographic trends in Long COVID and associated activity limitations: Results from the New York City Community Health Survey 2021 - 2023

IntroductionIn this study we describe the longitudinal and socio-demographic trends of Long COVID among adults in New York City using data from a large, population-based annual health survey. MethodsData from the 2021-2023 Community Health Survey included self-report long-term health effects of COVID-19. Survey-weighted prevalence of lifetime Long COVID (2021-2023), current Long COVID (2022-2023), and current Long COVID with activity limitations (2022-2023) were estimated by year and socio-demographic characteristics among the general adult population and among adults with prior COVID-19. Statistical significance was assessed at the p < 0.05 level. ResultsThe prevalence of lifetime Long COVID increased in the general population during the study period (5.9% -14.3%, p < 0.001) but decreased as a share of adults with prior COVID-19 (34.6% - 26.3%, p < 0.001). In 2023 the population prevalence of current Long COVID was 11.6% and prevalence of related activity limitations was 7.6%, an increase from prior years affecting an estimated 501,000 - 766,000 New Yorkers. Inequities were observed by race/ethnicity, gender, education, and household poverty, and were more pronounced among adults with confirmed or suspected prior COVID-19. DiscussionBy 2023, 1 in 7 adults in New York City had experienced long-term health effects of COVID-19, half of whom reported current activity limitations. The prevalence and impact of Long COVID present an ongoing and important public health concern, especially given the disproportionate burden among people of color, cisgender women, transgender adults, and individuals with lower socio-economic status.