Week 8 Flashcards
(66 cards)
It is important to consider gender when considering global health and global health initiatives for several reasons.
- gender disparities in health
- impact of gender norms
- gender-based violence
4, intersectionality - policy and advocacy
Gender Disparities in Health:
Gender plays a significant role in determining health outcomes and access to healthcare. Women and men may experience different health risks, access healthcare differently, and have different health needs.
Impact of Gender Norms:
Gender norms and roles can influence health behaviors, access to resources, and decision-making processes related to health. Understanding these norms is essential for designing effective health interventions.
Gender-Based Violence:
Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence and sexual violence, is a significant global health issue that disproportionately affects women and girls. Addressing gender-based violence is crucial for improving overall health and well-being.
Intersectionality:
Gender intersects with other social determinants of health, such as race, ethnicity, class, and sexual orientation, creating unique health experiences and disparities for individuals with multiple marginalized identities.
Policy and Advocacy:
Considering gender in global health initiatives is crucial for advocating for policies that promote gender equality and women’s rights, which are fundamental to achieving health equity and sustainable development.
Framing gender and health
Women’s health often intertwined with reproductive health
Gender and Sex often used interchangeably, with the assumption of binaries
Women’s health often intertwined with reproductive health
Point #1 - women’s health is often closely linked with reproductive health. This connection is significant because reproductive health encompasses a range of issues beyond just pregnancy and childbirth, including access to contraception, safe abortion services, and treatment for reproductive tract infections.
Consider broader aspects of women’s health beyond reproductive issues, such as mental health, non-communicable diseases, and access to healthcare.
Highlight the importance of understanding women’s health within a holistic framework that considers social, economic, and cultural factors
Gender and Sex often used interchangeably, with the assumption of binaries
Point #2 - We need to acknowledge the distinction between gender and sex. While sex refers to biological characteristics such as chromosomes, hormones, and reproductive anatomy,
gender is a social construct that encompasses roles, behaviors, expressions, and identities. It’s important to recognize that not everyone fits into the binary understanding of gender, and that there is a diversity of gender identities and experiences beyond just male and female.
understanding the distinction between sex and gender is essential for addressing health inequalities and promoting inclusive healthcare practices
Binaries in research refer to the tendency to categorize things into two distinct and often opposing categories. For example, in gender studies, the binary categorization of gender into male and female overlooks the diversity and complexity of gender identities.
sex vs gender
gender is culturally defined
female
roles and responsibilities
- caring
- service jobs
attributes
- fragile
- emotional entittlements
- inferior healthcare to men
- financial dependance
male
- roles and responsibilities
- construction
- defense
attributes
- rik-taking
-aggression
enittlements
- higher workforce participation
-finacial autonomy
sex
- chromosomes
- reproductive organs and genitalia
- hormones
Inequality vs. inequity
Inequality:
Inequality refers to differences, disparities, or uneven distributions between individuals or groups. These differences can be in terms of income, wealth, access to resources, opportunities, or outcomes can be measured objectively, such as through income levels or educational attainment,
Inequity: Inequity, on the other hand, refers to unjust or unfair inequalities. Inequity focuses on disparities that result from systemic injustice, discrimination, or unfairness.
examples of inequality
Inequality:
1. Income Inequality: Some people earn significantly higher incomes than others, leading to a disparity in wealth distribution.
- Educational Inequality: Differences in access to quality education, resources, and opportunities can lead to unequal outcomes in academic achievement.
3.Healthcare Inequality: Disparities in access to healthcare services, quality of care, and health outcomes based on factors like income, biological sex, geography.
inequity examples
Inequity:
1. Gender Pay Gap: Even when women and men have similar qualifications and perform the same work, women are often paid less than men for equivalent jobs, representing an inequity in pay.
- Racial Profiling: Law enforcement practices that disproportionately target individuals from specific racial or ethnic groups, leading to unjust treatment and outcomes.
- Access to Healthcare: Inequity exists when certain populations face barriers to accessing healthcare services due to factors like race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, resulting in disparate health outcomes
In each of these examples, there is a clear disparity or difference (inequality), but the presence of unfairness, injustice, or systemic bias highlights the concept of inequity.
geographical disparities in healthcare and rural areas
Geographical disparities in healthcare access can result from factors such as population distribution, resource allocation, and infrastructure limitations, which may not be intentionally discriminatory or unjust.
For example, in rural areas, lower population density and limited resources may make it economically challenging to establish healthcare facilities or attract healthcare professionals. Similarly, in remote or isolated regions, geographical barriers such as rugged terrain or lack of transportation infrastructure can further exacerbate difficulties in accessing healthcare services.
While these geographical disparities can result in unequal access to healthcare services between urban and rural areas, they may not necessarily stem from intentional discrimination or systemic injustices. In contrast, healthcare inequities typically involve avoidable disparities that are rooted in unjust social, economic, or political factors, such as discrimination, poverty, or unequal distribution of resources.
Global burden of disease - male and female life expectancy
Male/female “life expectancy gap” (Global Action on Men’s Health, 2018)
- 4.2 years in 1970
- 5.5 years in 2016
- Forecast to rise to 7 years by 2030
Canada/BC Context:
- Narrowing of gap 1990-2010
- What is the impact of the opioid epidemic?
The opioid epidemic in Canada has had a significant impact on life expectancy and has contributed to a widening gap between men and women. Here’s how:
- Increased Mortality: The opioid epidemic has led to a rise in opioid-related deaths, including overdoses. This increase in mortality has had a greater impact on men than women, widening the life expectancy gap
- Health and Social Factors: The opioid epidemic intersects with other health and social factors that can impact life expectancy, such as mental health, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare. These factors may affect men and women differently, further influencing the life expectancy gap.
- Response and Prevention Efforts: Efforts to address the opioid epidemic, including harm reduction strategies, treatment programs, and policy changes, can have differential impacts on men and women.
- Overall, the opioid epidemic in Canada has had an impact on the life expectancy gap between men and women, with men experiencing higher rates of mortality from opioid-related causes, contributing to a widening gap between the sexes.
The life expectancy gap between men and women can be attributed to a combination of biological, social, and behavioral factors:
- Biological Differences: Biological factors, such as genetics and hormones, contribute to differences in life expectancy between men and women which that may lead to a survival advantage.
- Behavioral Differences: Men and women often have different health behaviors that can impact life expectancy. For example, men are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and dangerous occupations, which can increase their risk of premature death.
- Healthcare Utilization: Women tend to use healthcare services more frequently than men, leading to earlier detection and treatment of health conditions.
- Social and Environmental Factors: Socioeconomic factors, access to healthcare, education, and living conditions can also impact life expectancy. Women often have better social support networks and may engage in healthier behaviors, which can contribute to their longer life expectancy.
- Biological Aging: Some research suggests that women may age more slowly biologically than men, which could contribute to their longer life expectancy. However, the exact mechanisms behind this are still being studied.
Understanding these factors is important for developing strategies to reduce health disparities and improve the health outcomes of both men and women.
Global burden of disease and women
Women live longer, not necessarily healthier lives.
In low-income countries, higher burden of disease from communicable diseasesand childbirth-related illnesses
In high-income countries, higher levels of physical and psychological morbidity from non-communicable diseases
Why do High-income countries tend to have higher levels of from non-communicable diseases (NCDs)?
Lifestyle Factors: High-income countries often have higher rates of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors such as poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and alcohol consumption. These behaviors are major risk factors for NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Urbanization and Environmental Factors: Urbanization in high-income countries is often accompanied by environmental factors such as air pollution, noise pollution, and limited access to green spaces. These factors can increase the risk of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health disorders.
Socioeconomic Inequalities: While high-income countries overall have better access to healthcare, education, and resources, there are often significant socioeconomic inequalities within these countries. These inequalities can lead to disparities in health outcomes, with marginalized populations experiencing higher levels of physical and psychological morbidity.
Aging Population: High-income countries tend to have aging populations, which are more susceptible to NCDs such as dementia, arthritis, and other chronic conditions.
Healthcare System Factors: While high-income countries generally have more advanced healthcare systems, there can be challenges such as overemphasis on treatment rather than prevention, and disparities in access to healthcare services.
screening initiatives can have a significant impact on global health by reducing the burden of these cancers,
However, challenges such as lack of infrastructure, resources, and awareness can hinder the implementation and effectiveness of screening programs in some regions and in LMIC
Efforts to improve access to screening, promote awareness, and ensure quality care are essential to reducing the global burden of these cancers and improving women’s health worldwide.
Who gets more of what diseases and why?
What diseases are more prevalent in women than in men?
Iron deficiency anemia – related to menstruation Nearly 30% of women and adolescent girls are affected by anaemia
Adverse effects on their overall health and wellbeing, especially during pregnancy and childbirth.
ovarian/uterine cancers
More breast cancer than men - Breast cancer: leading cause of deaths from cancer in women
Cervical cancer: 4th most common cancer affecting women worldwide.
In LMICs, 3rd leading cause of death from cancer in women. Differences because?
Widespread major inequalities in access to early detection and screening lead to large variations in clinical outcomes and survival after treatment.
Pregnancy related problems – PPH, fistulas, prolapsed uterus, unsafe abortions
Higher incidence of CAD as they age - Women’s risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) increases with age due to hormonal changes, cumulative exposure to cardiovascular risk factors, and potential effects of menopause.
Biological Risks affecting women
STIs (increased mucosal areas, often show no symptoms)
Uterine cancer
Ovarian cancer
Breast cancer (also affect males but at a lower rate)
Heart disease (less frequently diagnosed due to atypical symptoms, underrepresentation in research, and healthcare provider bias.
Women are generally more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) than men due to a combination of biological, social, and cultural factors. Some key reasons include:
Biological Factors: Women have a larger surface area of vulnerable tissue in the genital area, which can increase the risk of infection. Anatomical Factors: The anatomy of the female genitalia can make it easier for pathogens to enter the body during sexual activity, particularly if there are small tears or abrasions present.
Asymptomatic Infections: Some STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, often present with milder or no symptoms in women, making them less likely to seek timely medical attention and increasing the risk of complications.
Cultural and Social Factors: In many cultures, women may have less control over their sexual health and reproductive choices, including negotiating condom use and accessing healthcare services.
Pregnancy and Childbirth: STIs can have serious consequences for pregnant women, including the risk of transmission to the fetus, preterm birth, and other complications.
STI Testing Disparities: due to factors such as access to healthcare and stigma.
Contraceptive Methods: Some forms of contraception, such as diaphragms and spermicides, may increase the risk of STI transmission if not used correctly or consistently.
Women in low-income countries are more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) due to a variety of factors, including:
Lack of Access to Healthcare: Women in low-income countries often have limited access to healthcare services, including STI testing, treatment, and prevention measures.
Limited Education: Lack of comprehensive sex education and information about STIs can contribute to higher rates of infection.
Gender Inequality: Women in many low-income countries have less power to negotiate safe sex practices, including condom use, due to cultural and social norms.
Economic Factors: Poverty can lead to increased risk-taking behaviors, such as engaging in sex work or having multiple partners, which can increase the risk of STI transmission.
Healthcare Infrastructure: Limited healthcare infrastructure and resources in low-income countries can make it difficult to provide adequate STI prevention, testing, and treatment services.
Stigma and Discrimination: Stigma surrounding STIs can prevent women from seeking testing and treatment, leading to higher rates of untreated infections.
How can we promote Self care intervention for SRH in LMIC? requires tailored approaches that take into account the unique challenges and contexts of these settings. Some strategies to promote self-care interventions for SRH in low-income countries include:
Community Health Workers: Training and deploying community health workers (CHWs) to provide education, counseling, and support for self-care interventions can improve access to SRH services in remote or underserved areas.
Mobile Health Technologies: Leveraging mobile phones and other digital technologies to deliver SRH information, reminders, and support can reach populations with limited access to traditional healthcare services.
Task Shifting: Empowering lower-level healthcare providers, such as nurses and midwives, to deliver self-care interventions can help alleviate the burden on higher-level healthcare providers and improve access to SRH services.
Partnerships and Collaboration: Collaborating with local organizations, community leaders, and government agencies can help ensure that self-care interventions are culturally appropriate and reach the intended populations.
Capacity Building: Building the capacity of local healthcare providers and organizations to deliver and support self-care interventions for SRH can improve the sustainability and effectiveness of these programs.
Advocacy and Policy Change: Advocating for policy changes that support self-care interventions for SRH, such as expanding the scope of practice for HCWs, can help create an enabling environment for these interventions.
Research and Evaluation: Conducting research and evaluation studies to assess the impact of self-care interventions for SRH in low-income countries can help generate evidence to inform future programs and policies.
Goal of these strategies improve access to essential SRH services for all.
Social determinants
Low social status of women in societies is linked to physical and sexual abuse
High levels of depression
Divorced or widowed women face severe discrimination
Respiratory issues (due to poor ventilation)
Lack of education
Women cannot use health services without the permission of a husband or male relative.