The COVID Gender Gap: Why Fewer Women Are Dying (WSN Spotlight)
Why are more men than women dying from COVID-19? The Women’s Solidarity Network came across a comprehensive study surveying citizens from eight different countries, including the USA. The findings suggest women are more likely than men to view COVID-19 as a severe health problem and therefore will take extra precautions and follow public health recommendations.
Released this week, the research suggests that public health officials should target their pandemic messaging to men differently than to women, to encourage safer behaviors and reduce the spread of the disease globally. Highlights of the study include:
21,649 people were surveyed and researchers found 59% of women compared to 49% of men viewed COVID-19 a very serious health problem.
54 percent of women agreed with public policy measures, to close schools, shut down nonessential shops, and impose quarantines, compared with 48 percent of men.
For every 10 women hospitalized or killed by COVID-19, 12 men are hospitalized; 10 men are admitted to intensive care; and 14 men die.
Female-led countries like New Zealand and Germany responded swiftly and effectively to contain the pandemic, whereas some of the countries with the worst outcomes are led by men who have projected strong masculinity attitudes and dismissed the need for precautionary practices.
Read more about the study here.