Pandemic-Related Care Delays for Endometriosis Patients

Delays in patient care associated with COVID-19 pandemic may have decreased quality of life for patients with endometriosis, according to results of a cross-sectional international survey.

Researchers conducted the 17-question online survey from November 2020 to January 2021 in 59 countries. A total of 3024 responses were received, but only 2964 were completed in full and included in the analysis.

Of the 1174 participants whose medical appointments were cancelled, 513 (43.7%) reported increased symptoms, and 579 (49.3%) reported decreased mental states. In comparison, 347 (29.4%) of the 1180 participants whose medical appointments were not cancelled reported increased symptoms, and 325 (27.5%) reported decreased mental states.

The results of the 610 individuals who did not have medical appointments planned were similar to the participants who kept their appointments. Increased symptoms were reported in 177 (29.0%) of these patients, and decreased mental states were reported in 172 (28.2%) of these participants.

“Our study reveals a clear correlation between the deterioration of the reported physical and mental state, and impaired medical are for patients suffering from endometriosis during the COVID-19 pandemic,” researchers concluded.

—Leigh Precopio

Reference:

Ashkenazi MS, Huseby OL, Kroken G, et al. COVID-19 pandemic and consequential effect on patients with endometriosis. Hum Reprod. Published online March 18, 2022. doi:10.1093/hropen/hoac013