An investigation of sex-based differences in illness presentation over time among people with Post COVID-19 Condition and people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Australia — ASN Events
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  3. An investigation of sex-based differences in illness presentation over time among people with Post COVID-19 Condition and people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Australia

An investigation of sex-based differences in illness presentation over time among people with Post COVID-19 Condition and people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Australia (#37)

Breanna Weigel 1 2 , Natalie Eaton-Fitch 1 3 , Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik 1 3 , Kiran Thapaliya 1 3
  1. National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
  2. School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
  3. Disability and Rehabilitation, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Background: Post COVID-19 Condition (PCC) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) are highly-stigmatised, chronic multi-systemic illnesses that disproportionately afflict women. Both illnesses are associated with profound impacts on health, quality of life, and daily activities. However, poor recognition of patients’ experiences in health policy continues to obstruct access to necessary care and support services.

Aim: This longitudinal study examines illness- and sex-specific trajectories of health outcomes and healthcare service access among people with PCC (pwPCC) and people with ME/CFS (pwME/CFS) to guide health policy and person-centred care.

Methods: Australian residents aged between 18 and 65 years formally diagnosed with PCC or ME/CFS without exclusionary diagnoses participated in this study between October 2021 to April 2024. All pwPCC and pwME/CFS fulfilled the World Health Organization and Canadian Consensus Criteria case definitions, respectively. Sociodemographic, symptom presentation, and healthcare service access data were obtained via three validated, self-administered questionnaires distributed at six-month intervals. Data were analysed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 29.0 and R version 4.3.3.

Results: At baseline, the PCC (n=8) and ME/CFS (n=38) cohorts were comparable in age (median (M)=51.00, quartile 1–3 (Q1–3)=42.45–53.00 years and M=48.00, Q1–3=39.75–54.50 years, respectively, p=0.52) and proportion of females (n=7, 87.5% and n=27, 71.1%, respectively, p=0.66); however, illness duration was significantly shorter among pwPCC (M=0.75, Q1–3=0.64–0.88 years and M=14.21, Q1–3=7.02–22.73 years, respectively, p<0.0001). The relationship of symptoms and healthcare access with illness status and sex over time was investigated with binomial mixed effects regression models. Updated results will be provided as data collection continues.

Conclusions: This longitudinal study foregrounds the long-term illness burdens faced by pwPCC and pwME/CFS in Australia. These lived experiences must be considered in the provision of care and support to ensure that services are accessible and align with patients’ needs.

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