Women are More Infected and Seek Care Faster but are Less Severely Ill: Gender Gaps in Covid-19 Morbidity and Mortality During Two Years of a Pandemic in Israel

Abstract

Introduction:

In the context of COVID-19 outcomes, global data has deduced a gender bias towards severe disease among males. The aim of this study is to compare morbidity and mortality during two years of the COVID-19 pandemic in female and male patients with COVID-19, as well as to assess length of stay, health seeking behavior time after positive diagnosis, and vaccination differences.

Method:

A retrospective-archive study was conducted in Israel from March 1st (patient zero cases) to March 1st, 2022 (two consecutive years). Data were obtained from the Israeli Ministry of Health's (MOH) open COVID-19 database.

Results:

The findings indicate female infections are 1.12 times more likely, across almost all age groups, apart from the youngest (0-19) age groups. Despite this, the relative risk of severe illness, intubation and mortality is higher among men. In addition, our findings indicate that the mean number of days taken by unvaccinated men from positive diagnosis to hospital admission was greater than among unvaccinated women among the deceased population.

Conclusion:

Targeted approaches including risk communication which take into consideration sex and gender and the intersecting factors are necessary to engage in the fight against COVID-19 for ensuring the most effective and equitable pandemic response.