Stress plays a role in women’s long COVID
Survey findings show that women who were highly stressed were more likely to have an official or self-diagnosis of Long COVID.
Recent research from Stony Brook University reveals a possible link between stress and Long COVID, particularly in women with young children. The study, conducted via an online survey of 2,500 US mothers, found that higher stress levels were associated with a greater likelihood of self-diagnosing or receiving an official diagnosis of Long COVID.
Symptoms such as fatigue, memory issues, and shortness of breath were more prevalent among women reporting higher stress levels. The impact of stress on Long COVID symptoms and diagnosis was lessened for women who received strong support from their partners, families, or friends. Stony Brook psychology professor Marci Lobel, who co-led the study, emphasized the importance of addressing the gender disparities in Long COVID diagnosis and care, highlighting that stress may play a role in the condition's development, severity, or both.
The findings underscore the need for gender-sensitive approaches to Long COVID, acknowledging that women often experience underdiagnosis of symptoms due to healthcare providers' dismissive attitudes.
Written by urgent.news from Futurity's reporting — not their text. Machine-written; read the original for the full account.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
