Gender Inequality and Public Health: Exploring the Negative Impacts
Author Type(s)
Student
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-28-2024
DOI
10.23937/2643-4512/1710100
Journal Title
International Archives of Public Health and Community Medicine
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
Recommended Citation
Kayode, T., Singh, M., Sidi-Ali, M., Ottoho, E., Rodrique, R., & Afolabi, O. (2024). Gender Inequality and Public Health: Exploring the Negative Impacts. International Archives of Public Health and Community Medicine, 8 (100). https://doi.org/10.23937/2643-4512/1710100
COinS
Comments
Background: Gender inequality significantly impacts public health, including adolescent sexual and reproductive health. Despite extensive research, gaps remain in understanding the intersectionality of gender with other social determinants, the long-term impacts of inequality on public health, and the effectiveness of interventions. Therefore, this literature review aims to investigate the consequences of gender inequality on public health and identify key pathways. It will further explore and analyze key data sources that reflect on how gender inequality shapes public health.
Methods: The review synthesized findings from literature and provides evidence on the effect of gender inequality on public health. Relevant studies were sourced through a comprehensive literature search and Key data sources were analyzed.
Results: The study highlighted the pervasive influence of gender inequality on health outcomes, including higher rates of chronic diseases, maternal and child health, sexual and reproductive health and mental health issues, gender-based violence, disparity in healthcare access, high out-of-pocket payment for women, and significant economic and educational disparities. These impacts are compounded by intersecting factors such as race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.
Implications for policy practice: Addressing gender inequality is essential for improving public health outcomes. Policies and Programs must focus on providing access to healthcare, enhancing education, and economic opportunities for women, and implementing effective interventions to reduce gender disparities and other forms of discrimination.
Conclusion: Gender inequality has far-reaching negative effects on public health by perpetuating disparity in healthcare, education, health services, and economic opportunities. While some progress has been made, substantial disparities persist, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and policies to address these issues. Stakeholders must develop multidimensional and multisectoral evidence-based strategies that consider the complex interplay of social determinants and the cumulative impact of inequality over time.