Introduction
Gender and health are closely linked. The way society treats men and women affects their access to health care, the quality of services they receive, and their overall well-being. Gender is not just about biological differences but also about the roles, expectations, and behaviors that society assigns to men and women. These gender-based roles influence how people live, what risks they face, and how healthy they are.
Relation Between Gender and Health
Gender affects health in many ways. It shapes people’s access to food, education, jobs, healthcare services, and freedom to make choices. Women and men may suffer from different health problems because of their roles in society and the conditions they live in.
1. Access to Healthcare
In many parts of the world, women and girls have less access to healthcare than men. They may be discouraged from going to doctors, especially for reproductive health issues. Sometimes, families prioritize men’s health over women’s health.
2. Gender-based Violence
Women often face violence at home, in the workplace, or in public spaces. This physical and emotional abuse can lead to long-term health problems like trauma, injuries, depression, and even death.
3. Reproductive Health
Women go through unique health experiences like menstruation, pregnancy, and childbirth. If proper care is not given, it can lead to serious complications or even death, especially in poor or rural areas.
4. Mental Health
Gender pressure, societal expectations, and discrimination can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. Both men and women suffer from mental health issues, but they are often not recognized or treated equally.
5. Nutrition
In many households, women and girls eat last or least, leading to poor nutrition. This affects their physical health and energy levels, especially during pregnancy and childbirth.
Determinants of Physical Health and Well-being
Determinants of health are the conditions or factors that affect a person’s health. These can be biological, social, economic, and environmental.
1. Income and Social Status
People with higher income and status have better access to nutritious food, healthcare, and safe living conditions. Poor people often suffer from diseases due to lack of proper food, shelter, and medicine.
2. Education
Education improves awareness about hygiene, nutrition, and health services. Educated people are more likely to seek medical help and adopt healthy habits.
3. Environment
Clean air, safe drinking water, proper sanitation, and hygienic surroundings help maintain good health. Pollution and dirty surroundings can cause diseases like asthma, diarrhea, and infections.
4. Employment and Working Conditions
People who work in safe environments and earn stable incomes are healthier. Dangerous jobs, long working hours, or low wages lead to stress and poor health.
5. Health Services
Availability of hospitals, clinics, doctors, and medicines is a major factor. In rural areas, lack of healthcare services leads to poor health outcomes, especially for women and children.
6. Gender Roles and Cultural Beliefs
Society often restricts women’s mobility, freedom, and decision-making powers. They may not be allowed to visit a doctor without permission or may ignore their health issues due to family pressure.
7. Lifestyle and Personal Behaviors
Habits like smoking, drinking, poor diet, and lack of exercise affect health. These behaviors are also influenced by gender roles — for example, men may smoke more because of social norms, while women may not get time to exercise due to household work.
Conclusion
Gender plays a crucial role in shaping health outcomes. It influences not only biological aspects but also social and cultural factors that affect health and well-being. To achieve better health for all, we must address gender inequality, improve access to healthcare, and educate people about healthy lifestyles. Equal health care and support for both men and women will lead to a healthier and more balanced society.