Gender health gap study reveals disparity in years lived in ill-health

The analysis, which examined the impact of the world’s 20 leading causes of disease, underscores the urgent need for action to address this disparity in women’s health. The study, conducted by researchers at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), University of Washington, found substantial differences between men and women in terms of health outcomes globally. Despite some progress over the past three decades, there has been limited improvement in bridging health gaps between genders.

Non-fatal conditions such as musculoskeletal problems, mental health issues, and headache disorders disproportionately affect women, leading to higher levels of illness and disability throughout their lives. On the other hand, men are more affected by conditions that cause premature death, such as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory and liver diseases, Covid-19, and road injuries.

Dr. Luisa Sorio Flor, the senior author of the study, emphasized the need for greater attention to non-fatal consequences that limit women’s physical and mental function, especially as they age. The study highlights the importance of designing and implementing sex- and gender-informed approaches to prevent and treat major health issues across diverse populations.

The research, based on data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, identified several key conditions that disadvantage women, including low back pain, depressive disorders, headache disorders, anxiety disorders, bone and muscle disorders, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and HIV/AIDS. These conditions contribute to illness and disability throughout life rather than leading to premature death.

Gabriela Gil, co-lead author of the study, emphasized the need for healthcare to address a broader spectrum of women’s health concerns beyond traditional priorities, such as sexual and reproductive health. She called for increased funding and health system planning to encompass the full range of issues affecting females, especially given their higher level of disability and the growing ratio of females to males in aging populations.

The analysis underscores the importance of collecting more comprehensive data spanning the sex and gender spectrums to address the needs of diverse populations effectively.