Health, sex, and gender: the inequalities as challenges

Abstract

In nursing care, health is considered a subjective experience, influenced by biology and the sociocultural context. It is built in a continuous interaction and interdependence throughout life, which leads to the self-perception of wellbeing and/or sickness. In the biological context, the body carries anatomical and physiological differences that determine the biological sex, whereas in the social context, the relations and bonds with others are inscribed into one's identification as a woman or man. Meanwhile, social ideas are interiorized in the psychic context, influencing peoples' behaviors.With regard to integral health, not only biological facts should be considered, but also social and psycho-subjective factors that lead to behaviors that have a significant impact on individual and collective health. They also determine the resilience and vulnerability of individuals, groups, and communities (1) . Therefore, at present, it is assumed that health depends on several factors, and gender is considered to be a social factor because it guides and perpetuates subjective and social experiences that imprint vulnerabilities on women and men.The health realities differ for women and men: the (self-) perception of health and wellbeing, the objective and subjective indicators of morbidity and mortality, the search for and the access to health resources, the response of health services, the occurrence of transition to new types of diseases, and the vulnerabilities to some types of diseases have different results globally (2) .Despite having many health problems in common, there are disparities between men and women, and some health problems have a larger impact on women. Other health conditions affect women and men equally; however, women face more difficulties in obtaining the necessary care (2-3) .Women's health is profoundly affected by how they are treated and by the status conferred on them by the society. In societies where women continue to face discrimination or are victims of violence, health suffers. The physical and social vulnerability is greater in places where women are excluded from land ownership or the right to a divorce. In its extreme form, the social or cultural gender prejudice can lead to violent death or female infanticide. The economic independence of some women, as a result of more generalized jobs for women, can be beneficial to health. However, globally, women have less education, are paid less, and are less protected in working environments in terms of safety and working conditions. It is also known that women face higher health costs than men because of a greater use of healthcare. At the same time, they are more likely to be poor, unemployed, part-time workers, or informal sector workers who receive no salary. Consequently, they have no health benefits. However, the healthcare needs of women are barely addressed, particularly in rural and poor communities. Even in places with higher progress, there is a need for continuous investment in great equality (3) .Sex and gender have a significant i...

Fatores de risco dos beneficiários do gerenciamento clínico por telemonitoramento da saúde suplementar: estudo transversal

“…Gender must be considered as a behavioral determinant of health, as it interferes with morbidity and mortality, use, access and response of the health services, as well as with resilience and vulnerability of individuals, groups and communities worldwide. (13)(14)(15) .…”

“…Globally, women's health is affected by the way in which they are treated, social status, lower schooling and wage levels, greater lack of protection in the work environments and use and expenditure regarding health services when compared to men, with the aggravating factor of not understanding their health needs and the lack of care that goes beyond reproductive issues (14) .…”

“…Therefore, the actions of clinical management through telemonitoring must enhance the maintenance of healthy habits and the functional capacity of aged women, as well as offer additional care to reproductive health (13)(14)(15)(16) .…”