Introduction:
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused global lifestyle changes. Social isolation measures and rising SARS-CoV-2 complications have significantly affected healthcare workers who face increased occupational demands and growing concerns about infection risks and long-term consequences. This study examined the association between medical profession type and both COVID-19 health behaviors and long-term complication concerns.

Material and methods:
A retrospective study was conducted on a group of 133 healthcare workers and medical students between October 2023 and February 2024. A questionnaire designed by the author was used, which collected demographic and anthropometric data, as well as information on health-promoting behaviors related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Descriptive statistics were used, with significance set at p < 0.05. Comparisons between variables were performed using the Fisher exact test.

Results:
During the COVID-19 pandemic 40.6% of healthcare workers engaged in physical activity, 33.8% modified diets, and 18.8% adopted other preventive behaviors, with no significant profession-dependent differences (p > 0.05). Nearly half (48.9%) expressed long-term complication concerns, most frequently among “other healthcare professionals” (77.3%), showing significant group variation (p = 0.01). Doctors/medical students disproportionately reported ≥ 4 specific concerns (p < 0.05). The study reveals profession-linked disparities in risk perception but not preventive behaviors.

Conclusions:
The study found no profession-dependent differences in COVID-19 preventive behaviors (p > 0.05), but significant variation in long-term complication concerns (p < 0.05). While health measures were uniform across roles, risk perception differed by type of medical profession.