University of Queensland researchers have conducted the first longitudinal study on the impact of endometriosis on Australia's healthcare system, finding the disease is a significant cause of hospitalisation.
Dr Dereje Gete from UQ's School of Public Health led a team that analysed the association between endometriosis and hospitalisation rates, using the linked health data of more than 13,500 women over a 27-year period up until 2022.
"Perhaps unsurprisingly, we found women with endometriosis were hospitalised more often than those without the condition, but had shorter stays," Dr Gete said.
"Once women with endometriosis were diagnosed, they had more hospitalisations and longer stays compared to before their diagnosis.
"This indicates recurrence of the condition, even after surgical intervention, posing significant challenges for long-term management."
Endometriosis is a chronic and often debilitating condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.
It can cause a wide range of symptoms including pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, fatigue, depression, anxiety and bowel problems.
"Endometriosis affects around one in 7 Australian women by age 44 to 49," Dr Gete said.
"It can significantly reduce a woman's quality of life through severe pelvic pain, infertility issues, irritable bowel syndrome or mental health issues.
"Despite advancements in medical and surgical treatments, there is still a high rate of recurrence."
Senior study author Professor Gita Mishra said the research aids understanding of how a diagnosis of endometriosis influences subsequent healthcare use.
"It highlights the substantial burden of this chronic condition on both patients and the health system, with frequent hospital admissions and prolonged stays," Professor Mishra said.
"More research is needed to develop targeted interventions."
The study used data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health survey.
The research is published in eClinicalMedicine.
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