A groundbreaking study conducted by the University of Queensland (UQ) has revealed that endometriosis is a leading cause of hospitalization in Australia, shedding light on the significant impact of the condition on the nation’s healthcare system. This marks the first longitudinal study to explore the long-term effects of endometriosis on hospital admission rates.
Led by Dr. Dereje Gete from UQ’s School of Public Health, the research analyzed linked health data from over 13,500 women spanning 27 years, up to 2022. The findings demonstrate that women with endometriosis experience higher hospitalization rates compared to those without the condition, although their hospital stays are generally shorter. However, once diagnosed, women with endometriosis not only experienced more frequent hospitalizations but also longer stays, pointing to the ongoing recurrence of the condition, even after surgical treatments.
Dr. Gete explained, “This pattern indicates the chronic nature of endometriosis, where recurrence remains a challenge even after surgical interventions, posing substantial difficulties for long-term management.”
Endometriosis, a chronic disorder where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causes a range of symptoms, including severe pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, fatigue, depression, and bowel problems. The condition affects approximately one in seven women in Australia between the ages of 44 and 49. Dr. Gete emphasized that the disease significantly impacts women’s quality of life, contributing to pain, infertility, and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
Despite advances in medical and surgical treatments, recurrence remains high, which further exacerbates the burden on both patients and the healthcare system. Professor Gita Mishra, a senior author of the study, highlighted the significance of the findings, noting the considerable strain endometriosis places on healthcare resources with its frequent hospital admissions and extended stays. She stressed the need for more research to develop targeted interventions for better management of the condition.
The study utilized data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health survey, providing valuable insights into the long-term effects of endometriosis on women’s health and the healthcare system.
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