Queensland research has exposed the gender reality of COVID - finding that Australian women have been hit harder by the pandemic than men.

While more men have died from the virus, women suffered more in terms of overall financial and mental well-being, according to a University of Queensland study.

Data shows that during the pandemic, women were among the first to lose their jobs as the pandemic impacted their employment, hours of work and mental health.

"Women are more likely to be casual, part-time or contract workers which were among the first to lose their jobs as businesses struggled in response to lockdown," Lead researcher Dr Terry Fitzsimmons said.

The extra time women spent on homeschooling, unpaid housework and childcare also took a toll.

"The effects of these job losses, reduced income and domestic labour burdens meant women suffered greatly from fatigue, stress, anxiety and depression," Dr Fitzsimmons said.

"Some female respondents also reported having suicidal thoughts."

The study involving 1931 men and 1691 women identified 19 other variables that factored into an individual's ability to cope with the pandemic.

"They include a person's age, whether they're married, have children, if they're classed as an essential or frontline worker, their employment type and whether they're eligible for Job Keeper," co-author Dr Miriam Yates said.

The study called for a national strategy to deal with the ongoing effects of the pandemic, including greater investment in childcare, and social and mental health support.

"Governments also need to better incorporate hybrid working arrangements, provide equal access to parental leave entitlements and overhaul wage-setting mechanisms," Dr Yates said.