Gender Equity and Vertically Transmitted Infections: A Country-Level Analysis Across 153 Countries

Abstract

Purpose: Gender inequality is a barrier to education toward women and accessibility to health facilities, which are important for preventing vertical transmission. This study was conducted to analyze the impact of gender equity on vertically transmitted infections (hepatitis viruses, human immunodeficiency virus [HIV], and syphilis) using country-level indicators. Methods: The relationship between the Global Gender Gap Index (GGGI), which is indicator of gender equity, and vertical transmission was analyzed. GGGI scores were collected from 153 countries in 2020. Vertical transmission included 10 outcomes for hepatitis viruses, HIV, and syphilis. Generalized linear model (GLM) was used for analyzing the relationship. Other predictors included skilled birth attendant and country income. Results: The median GGGI score was 0.706 (interquartile range, 0.664–0.736). GLM showed that the GGGI score was significantly associated with the incidence of both chronic hepatitis B and C in under 5 years (both p <0.001). For HIV, GGGI score was significantly associated with the pregnant women with unknown HIV status ( p =0.001), no early infant diagnosis ( p =0.027), and final transmission rate ( p =0.005). There was no significant predictor for pregnant women who have not received antiretroviral therapy for prevention of mother-to-child transmission. All syphilis indicators have improved in high-income countries compared to low-income countries. GGGI score had a significant association only with no syphilis screening ( p <0.001). Conclusions: A lower GGGI score was associated with higher vertical transmission of hepatitis and HIV. The improvement of gender equity might prevent vertical transmission of these viruses. Further intervention studies are warranted to verify the results.

Gender Inequality as a Barrier to Utilization of Services in Mother to Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS in Pakistan

“…This is because if women cannot avail the facilities of these programs, these efforts are futile. Other researches have also shown that reducing gender gaps decreases the vertical transmission of HIV (Lee et al, 2021). Women empowerment is a crucial aspect in reversing the HIV epidemic (Carr, 2008).…”