Study Finds Women Are More Likely Than Men to Experience Non-Fatal, Long-Term Illnesses

A new study led by researchers at the University of Washington has found that although men are more likely to experience premature death, women are more likely to experience non-fatal, yet persistent, conditions.

The authors examined data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 regarding demographic data for the top 20 causes of illness across the globe. They found that men are more likely to experience conditions that are associated with premature death such as heart disease, stroke, respiratory issues, and road injuries. On the other hand, women are more likely to encounter conditions associated with long-term illness and disability such as mental health, musculoskeletal, and low back pain disorders. As women are more likely to live longer than men, the prevalence of long-term illness among women suggests they live more years in ill-heath than men.

The researchers suggest their findings present an urgent need for health care leaders to create gender-specific policies. They also recommend leaders continue to promote gender-sensitive research to better address the specific health needs and achieve health equity among people of all genders.