Men at high risk of early death, women face more poor health: Lancet study

NEW DELHI: Men are at higher risk of premature death than women, but females tend to spend more of their lifetime in poor health, according to a new global study published in the journal Lancet Public Health on Thursday.
A comprehensive global study, has unveiled significant gender disparities in

health outcomes

, shedding light on the diverse and evolving health needs of men and women across the globe.

Researchers analyzed data spanning from 1990 to 2021, examining the prevalence of various health conditions and events leading to premature death.
The findings underscored a stark contrast: while men are disproportionately affected by conditions such as Covid-19, heart disease, and road injuries, women suffer from higher levels of non-fatal illnesses, including

mental health conditions

and headaches.

The study revealed that men lost 45 percent more life years from Covid-19 compared to women. This disparity underscores the need for targeted interventions to address the specific health challenges faced by each gender.
One notable finding was the wide gap in health loss related to low back pain, which disproportionately disadvantaged women, particularly in regions such as South Asia and Central Europe.
The research highlighted that these health differences manifest from adolescence and persist throughout life, with women experiencing higher levels of illness and disability due to their longer

life expectancy

.
In response to these findings, the authors emphasized the importance of implementing "concerted, sex- and gender-informed strategies" to promote equitable health outcomes. They called for enhanced reporting of sex and gender data to inform policy decisions and improve health interventions.
Senior author Luisa Sorio Flor of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington stressed the timeliness of the study, particularly in light of the Covid-19 pandemic's profound impact on health outcomes.
While Covid-19 disproportionately affected men worldwide, the study revealed that the widest sex-based differences were observed in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean regions. Additionally,

cardiovascular disease

and road injuries emerged as significant contributors to premature deaths.
Furthermore, the study highlighted the disproportionate impact of mental health conditions on women, with depressive disorders leading to a third more life years lost among women compared to men, particularly in high-income countries and those in Latin America and the Caribbean.
As nations strive for healthier futures, addressing these gender disparities in health outcomes remains a critical imperative, requiring tailored interventions and a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges faced by men and women alike.