Gender and health

Gender and health

This chapter:
# introduces the concept of 'gender' as a powerful factor influencing the health status of women and men;
# explores how being female can influence a woman's pattern of health and illness;
# outlines and discusses significant women's health problems;
# overviews the evidence about men's health status in Australia; and
# considers the influence of biological, cultural and social factors on men's health.

This chapter considers how being female or male influences a persson's health status. There is clear evidence that gender is an important factor in determining the amount of illness, the sorts of diseases and the life expectancy of an individual. Gender is not the only, nor necessarily the most important factor in determining health status, but its influence is pervasive. This chapter gives insights into the health experiences of both men and women, and provides analyses of the ways in which gender can influence these health expenences.

The stories of Sara and Warren are used to provide 'real life' examples of the main points made in this chapter. Their stories are not necessarily 'typical' of all women and men but they do highlight some of the common
health issues affecting each gender.

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