In a recent study published in the open-access journal PLOS Medicine, researchers found that males are more likely than females to get sick and die from three common conditions, and are also less likely to seek medical care. The study, led by Angela Chang of the University of Southern Denmark, highlights the importance of considering sex and gender differences in health outcomes.
The research focused on hypertension, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS, analyzing global health data to compare disease rates, diagnosis, and treatment between males and females. The findings revealed significant disparities between the sexes at each stage of the health pathway, from risk exposure to death. In many countries, males had higher rates of disease and mortality, as well as lower rates of seeking healthcare and adhering to treatment.
The study emphasizes the need for tailored health strategies to encourage males to participate in preventive and healthcare services. By examining health data by sex, researchers aim to address health inequities and implement equitable policies. The researchers advocate for comprehensive datasets that consider sex differences to monitor and improve healthcare interventions.
Professors Kent Buse and Sarah Hawkes, co-founders of Global 50/50, stress the importance of publishing sex-disaggregated data to identify where men and women’s health journeys diverge. They highlight the role of socially constructed gender in shaping health outcomes, emphasizing the need for a gender justice approach to reduce inequities. Angela Chang, the senior author of the study, underscores the persistent sex differences along the health pathway and the importance of addressing these disparities in interventions.
The study concludes that a gender analysis is essential for shaping inclusive health systems and promoting health equity for all individuals. By understanding and addressing sex differences in healthcare, researchers can work towards a more equitable and effective healthcare system. The findings call for a comprehensive approach to healthcare that considers sex and gender differences to improve health outcomes globally.
