All articles tagged with #gender disparities
A new analysis shows that autism is being diagnosed earlier in boys, with median age dropping from 7 to 5 years, but girls still face significant delays, often not diagnosed until adulthood, highlighting ongoing gender disparities and the importance of early intervention.
Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death among women globally, yet it is often underdiagnosed and undertreated in women due to lack of awareness, gender biases, and disparities in healthcare. The article highlights personal stories, statistical data, and calls for increased awareness and better management of heart health in women.
In 2025, smoking rates vary significantly across countries and genders, with Indonesia showing the highest male smoking rate at 72.8% and female smoking at just 1.8%, while France exhibits near gender parity. Overall, tobacco use remains a major public health concern worldwide, causing over 8 million premature deaths annually.
Dr. Elizabeth Comen, a breast oncologist, highlights the impact of historical medical myths on women's body image and healthcare in her book. She debunks three pervasive myths: the assumption that women are tiny men, the binary approach to hormones, and the focus on reproductive health as the sole aspect of women's well-being. Comen emphasizes the need for gender-specific medical research and a more comprehensive understanding of women's health beyond reproductive issues, addressing the disparities in healthcare and the impact of cultural narratives on women's bodily experiences.
On International Women’s Day, The Economic Times and USV hosted a webinar discussing the rising prevalence of heart disease and diabetes among Indian women, emphasizing the need for a gender-inclusive approach to healthcare. Experts highlighted unique risk factors, subtle symptoms, and hormonal influences on women's heart health and diabetes, stressing the importance of early screenings, lifestyle modifications, and holistic approaches. They also addressed the impact of stress on heart health and the need for women to prioritize their well-being through regular check-ups, healthy lifestyle habits, and self-care.
Dr. Wei discusses the risk factors and prevention of heart disease, highlighting the alarming trend that women now face a higher risk of death from heart disease compared to men.
Gender disparities are affecting men in various aspects of their lives, including education, work, and mental health. Women now make up almost 60% of college undergraduates, with men's participation in the labor market dropping over 7% in the last 50 years. Boys are already falling behind academically in kindergarten, and this trend continues throughout their education. The American Institute for Boys and Men has been launched to address these issues, as many boys and men struggle to find their place in a rapidly changing society. The challenges faced by working-class and African American boys and men are particularly concerning. Efforts are being made to provide support and opportunities for men, including initiatives at the University of Vermont and The Kalamazoo Promise program.
Researchers are puzzled by the higher rates of lung cancer in women compared to men, with more young and middle-aged women being diagnosed with the disease. Despite a decline in smoking rates, the cancer rate among women, particularly those who have never smoked, has increased. The lack of understanding about the driving factors behind this trend has led to a push for more funding and research to identify and address the specific issues affecting women. Currently, lung cancer kills more women in the US than breast, ovarian, and cervical cancer combined, yet it receives the least funding per death. Efforts are underway to raise awareness, improve access to preventive services, and conduct public awareness campaigns to combat this "hidden" women's cancer.
Two major studies conducted in Canada and Sweden have found that patients who are operated on by female surgeons have better outcomes, with fewer complications and the need for follow-up care, compared to those operated on by male surgeons. The studies suggest that female surgeons may achieve better results by operating more slowly and taking their time in the operating theatre. The findings highlight the need for male surgeons to reflect on their approach to surgery and learn from their female colleagues. The results also emphasize the importance of attracting and retaining more women in surgery and promoting them to positions of influence.
Women are disproportionately affected by various diseases, including Alzheimer's, autoimmune diseases, depression, and migraines. However, research on women's health has historically been lacking, with women often excluded from clinical trials. Efforts are being made to bridge this gap, with the NIH investing in women's health research and forming an office of autoimmune disease research. Researchers are uncovering the impact of menopause on brain health, finding that women's brains age differently than men's and that menopause can lead to cognitive decline. To prevent and delay dementia, individuals are advised to prioritize exercise, sleep, and a nutritious diet, while also staying engaged in their communities.
A new study has found that women with atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart disorder, experience faster cognitive decline than men. Women are often diagnosed with AFib at a later age, leading to delays in care. Experts recommend that women advocate for their own AFib care, prioritize routine checkups, and consider blood thinner treatment. The study highlights the gender disparities in recognizing and treating heart disease, and further research is needed to understand the specific reasons behind the accelerated cognitive decline in women with AFib.
The American Association of University Professors has released its latest salary survey data, which shows that despite the largest one-year increase in full-time faculty members' average salaries in over three decades, their real wages have fallen due to inflation. This is the third consecutive year of real-wage declines for all full-time faculty. The data also reveal significant gender disparities, with male full-time faculty earning more than female full-time faculty. Part-time faculty members are also paid appallingly low rates, with 48% of faculty nationwide being part-timers.
Female assailants in mass shootings in the United States are extremely rare, with only four out of 172 shootings involving at least four victims over the last five and a half decades being committed by women or girls. This reflects a broader trend of gender disparities in homicide cases, where between 80 and 90 percent of all offenders are men. The archetypical mass shooter is young and male, but there have been several high-profile outliers in recent years. The Nashville shooting on Monday was committed by a woman, making it a rare occurrence.