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Philbin MM, Everett BG, Auerbach JD. Gender(ed) science: How the institutionalization of gender continues to shape the conduct and content of women's health research. Soc Sci Med 2024; 351 Suppl 1:116456. [PMID: 38825378 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Gender refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviors, and attributes that a particular society considers appropriate for men and women based on assumptions about biological sex. It also operates as a major social organizing principle that confers unequal power, status, and resources to men and women, with direct consequences for health. Historic patriarchal and misogynistic beliefs and values are reinforced through social institutions, including health science, which reify gender inequities. This commentary examines two key domains in which the social organization and institutionalization of gender in scientific research affect the conduct of women's health research and, by extension, women's health outcomes. These domains are: 1) decisions about which topics are prioritized, researched, and funded and 2) the dissemination of research findings. Using the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a case study to illustrate broader patterns in scientific research, we present evidence of gender-based inequities in what is prioritized, deemed fundable, and disseminated, and how this affects knowledge production and attention to women's health. We highlight efforts and progress made by the NIH and call for additional attention to further address gender-based inequities and their impact on women's health research. We conclude with a call for critical social science analyses-ideally supported by the NIH-of the social organization of health science research to identify points of intervention for redressing deep-seated obstacles to advancing research on women's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan M Philbin
- Division of Vulnerable Populations, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, United States.
| | | | - Judith D Auerbach
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, United States
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2
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Perez-Brumer A, Valdez N, Scheim AI. The anti-gender threat: An ethical, democratic, and scientific imperative for NIH research/ers. Soc Sci Med 2024; 351 Suppl 1:116349. [PMID: 38825371 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Anti-gender campaigns in the United States and globally have promoted policies and legislation that significantly limit bodily autonomy for women, transgender, and nonbinary people. This attack on the human rights of women and gender-diverse communities not only reflects implicit and explicit bias but also detrimentally impacts population health and well-being. We outline the domestic and global rise of anti-gender campaigns and their deep historical connections to broader forms of discrimination and inequality to argue that there is an ethical, democratic, and scientific imperative to more critically center and contextualize gender in health research. While the inclusion of gender as a complex concept in research design, implementation, and dissemination is important, we emphasize that gender inequities must be understood as inextricable from other systems of discrimination and exclusion. To that end, this commentary outlines two actions: for researchers to advance critical approaches to gender as part of a broader landscape of discrimination, and for the US National Institutes of Health to integrate both sex and gender into funded research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaya Perez-Brumer
- Division of Social and Behavioural Health Sciences, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada.
| | - Natali Valdez
- Department of Anthropology and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Yale University, United States; Department of Anthropology, Purdue University, United States
| | - Ayden I Scheim
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, United States; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, Canada
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3
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Kharlamov A, Sherriff N, Delles C, van der Harst P. Tackling cardiovascular healthcare disparities for LGBTQIA+ population: a call to action in the European Society of Cardiology. Eur Heart J 2024; 45:1291-1294. [PMID: 38195053 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kharlamov
- Innovation Lab, De Haar Research Task Force, Keurenplein 41, G9950, Rotterdam 1069CD, The Netherlands
- Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging Lab, De Haar Research Foundation (DHRF), Hobujaama 4, Tallinn 10151, Estonia
| | - Nigel Sherriff
- School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
- Centre for Transforming Sexuality and Gender, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - Christian Delles
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Pim van der Harst
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Logie CH, MacKenzie F, Malama K, Lorimer N, Lad A, Zhao M, Narasimhan M, Fahme S, Turan B, Kagunda J, Konda K, Hasham A, Perez-Brumer A. Sexual and reproductive health among forcibly displaced persons in urban environments in low and middle-income countries: scoping review findings. Reprod Health 2024; 21:51. [PMID: 38609975 PMCID: PMC11010352 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-024-01780-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most forcibly displaced persons are hosted in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). There is a growing urbanization of forcibly displaced persons, whereby most refugees and nearly half of internally displaced persons live in urban areas. This scoping review assesses the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs, outcomes, and priorities among forcibly displaced persons living in urban LMIC. METHODS Following The Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology we searched eight databases for literature published between 1998 and 2023 on SRH needs among urban refugees in LMIC. SHR was operationalized as any dimension of sexual health (comprehensive sexuality education [CSE]; sexual and gender based violence [GBV]; HIV and STI prevention and control; sexual function and psychosexual counseling) and/or reproductive health (antental, intrapartum, and postnatal care; contraception; fertility care; safe abortion care). Searches included peer-reviewed and grey literature studies across quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods designs. FINDINGS The review included 92 studies spanning 100 countries: 55 peer-reviewed publications and 37 grey literature reports. Most peer-reviewed articles (n = 38) discussed sexual health domains including: GBV (n = 23); HIV/STI (n = 19); and CSE (n = 12). Over one-third (n = 20) discussed reproductive health, including: antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care (n = 13); contraception (n = 13); fertility (n = 1); and safe abortion (n = 1). Eight included both reproductive and sexual health. Most grey literature (n = 29) examined GBV vulnerabilities. Themes across studies revealed social-ecological barriers to realizing optimal SRH and accessing SRH services, including factors spanning structural (e.g., livelihood loss), health institution (e.g., lack of health insurance), community (e.g., reduced social support), interpersonal (e.g., gender inequitable relationships), and intrapersonal (e.g., low literacy) levels. CONCLUSIONS This review identified displacement processes, resource insecurities, and multiple forms of stigma as factors contributing to poor SRH outcomes, as well as producing SRH access barriers for forcibly displaced individuals in urban LMIC. Findings have implications for mobilizing innovative approaches such as self-care strategies for SRH (e.g., HIV self-testing) to address these gaps. Regions such as Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean are underrepresented in research in this review. Our findings can guide SRH providers, policymakers, and researchers to develop programming to address the diverse SRH needs of urban forcibly displaced persons in LMIC. Most forcibly displaced individuals live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with a significant number residing in urban areas. This scoping review examines the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes of forcibly displaced individuals in urban LMICs. We searched eight databases for relevant literature published between 1998 and 2023. Inclusion criteria encompassed peer-reviewed articles and grey literature. SRH was defined to include various dimensions of sexual health (comprehensive sexuality education; sexual and gender-based violence; HIV/ STI prevention; sexual function, and psychosexual counseling) and reproductive health (antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care; contraception; fertility care; and safe abortion care). We included 90 documents (53 peer-reviewed articles, 37 grey literature reports) spanning 100 countries. Most peer-reviewed articles addressed sexual health and approximately one-third centered reproductive health. The grey literature primarily explored sexual and gender-based violence vulnerabilities. Identified SRH barriers encompassed challenges across structural (livelihood loss), health institution (lack of insurance), community (reduced social support), interpersonal (gender inequities), and individual (low literacy) levels. Findings underscore gaps in addressing SRH needs among urban refugees in LMICs specifically regarding sexual function, fertility care, and safe abortion, as well as regional knowledge gaps regarding urban refugees in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Self-care strategies for SRH (e.g., HIV self-testing, long-acting self-injectable contraception, abortion self-management) hold significant promise to address SRH barriers experienced by urban refugees and warrant further exploration with this population. Urgent research efforts are necessary to bridge these knowledge gaps and develop tailored interventions aimed at supporting urban refugees in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen H Logie
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street W, Toronto, M5S 1V4, Canada.
- Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, Canada.
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Canada.
- United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment, and Health, Hamilton, Canada.
| | - Frannie MacKenzie
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street W, Toronto, M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - Kalonde Malama
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street W, Toronto, M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - Nicole Lorimer
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street W, Toronto, M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - Anoushka Lad
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street W, Toronto, M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - Michelle Zhao
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street W, Toronto, M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - Manjulaa Narasimhan
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, including the UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sasha Fahme
- Center for Global Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Bülent Turan
- Department of Psychology, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Julia Kagunda
- Elim Trust, Nairobi, Kenya
- Daystar University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kelika Konda
- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Aryssa Hasham
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street W, Toronto, M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - Amaya Perez-Brumer
- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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5
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Burgess DJ, Hagel Campbell EM, Branson M, Calvert C, Evans R, Allen KD, Bangerter A, Cross LJ, Driscoll MA, Hennessy S, Ferguson JE, Friedman JK, Matthias MS, Meis LA, Polusny MA, Taylor SL, Taylor BC. Exploring Gender Differences in Veterans in a Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial of Mindfulness for Chronic Pain. WOMEN'S HEALTH REPORTS (NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.) 2024; 5:82-92. [PMID: 38404673 PMCID: PMC10890953 DOI: 10.1089/whr.2023.0086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Background Although studies have documented higher rates of chronic pain among women Veterans compared to men Veterans, there remains a lack of comprehensive information about potential contributors to these disparities. Materials and Methods This study examined gender differences in chronic pain and its contributors among 419 men and 392 women Veterans, enrolled in a mindfulness trial for chronic pain. We conducted descriptive analyses summarizing distributions of baseline measures, obtained by survey and through the electronic health record. Comparisons between genders were conducted using chi-square tests for categorical variables and t-tests for continuous measures. Results Compared to men, women Veterans were more likely to have chronic overlapping pain conditions and had higher levels of pain interference and intensity. Women had higher prevalence of psychiatric and sleep disorder diagnoses, greater levels of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, fatigue, sleep disturbance, stress and pain catastrophizing, and lower levels of pain self-efficacy and participation in social roles and activities. However, women were less likely to smoke or have a substance abuse disorder and used more nonpharmacological pain treatment modalities. Conclusion Among Veterans seeking treatment for chronic pain, women differed from men in their type of pain, had greater pain intensity and interference, and had greater prevalence and higher levels of many known biopsychosocial contributors to pain. Results point to the need for pain treatment that addresses the comprehensive needs of women Veterans. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT04526158. Patient enrollment began on December 4, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana J. Burgess
- VA HSR&D Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Emily M. Hagel Campbell
- VA HSR&D Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mariah Branson
- VA HSR&D Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Collin Calvert
- VA HSR&D Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Roni Evans
- Integrative Health and Wellbeing Research Program, Center for Spirituality and Healing, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kelli D. Allen
- VA HSR&D Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Thurston Arthritis Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ann Bangerter
- VA HSR&D Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Lee J.S. Cross
- VA HSR&D Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mary A. Driscoll
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multimorbidities, and Education (PRIME) Center, VA Connecticut Health Care System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sierra Hennessy
- VA HSR&D Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - John E. Ferguson
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jessica K. Friedman
- VA HSR&D Center for the Study of Health Care Innovation, Implementation and Policy, Greater Los Angeles VA Health Care System, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Marianne S. Matthias
- VA HSR&D Center for Health Information and Communication, Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Laura A. Meis
- VA HSR&D Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Melissa A. Polusny
- VA HSR&D Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Stephanie L. Taylor
- VA HSR&D Center for the Study of Health Care Innovation, Implementation and Policy, Greater Los Angeles VA Health Care System, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, UCLA School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Brent C. Taylor
- VA HSR&D Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Bailey S, Newton N, Perry Y, Davies C, Lin A, Marino JL, Skinner RS, Grummitt L, Barrett E. Minority stressors, traumatic events, and associations with mental health and school climate among gender and sexuality diverse young people in Australia: Findings from a nationally representative cohort study. J Adolesc 2024; 96:275-290. [PMID: 38018791 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Population-level, nationally representative data on the prevalence of minority stressors and traumatic events, mental ill-health effects, and the preventative utility of school climate, among gender and sexuality diverse young people in Australia, is significantly lacking. In this study, we estimated the prevalence and distribution of minority stressors and traumatic events among young people by sexuality identity (gay/lesbian, bisexual, other sexuality, heterosexual), sexuality diversity (sexuality diverse, not sexuality diverse), and gender identity (transgender, cisgender) and assessed associations with mental ill-health and the moderating role of school climate factors. METHODS Using Wave 8 (2018) follow-up data from a population-level, nationally representative longitudinal cohort study, the sample comprised 3037 young people aged 17-19 years in Australia. Prevalence ratios for minority stressors and traumatic events were calculated for gender and sexuality diverse categories using logistic regression models. Linear regression models were used to test associations between traumatic events and minority stressors, and mental ill-health. Multivariate linear regression tested school climate factors as effect modifier between minority stressors and mental ill-health among sexuality diverse young people. RESULTS Rates of traumatic events and minority stressors were highest among bisexual and gay/lesbian young people and were significantly associated with mental ill-health among all gender and sexuality diverse young people. Highest mental ill-health effects were observed among trans young people. Among sexuality diverse young people, positive and negative feelings toward school climate were associated with decreased and increased mental ill-health, respectively. After accounting for sexuality diversity, positive overall school climate appeared protective of mental ill-health effects of sexuality-based discrimination. DISCUSSION Minority stressors, traumatic events, and associated mental ill-health are prevalent among gender and sexuality diverse young people in Australia, especially trans, bisexual, and gay/lesbian young people. Promotion of affirmative, safe, and inclusive school climate demonstrates significant promise for the prevention and early intervention of mental ill-health among gender and sexuality diverse young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha Bailey
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nicola Newton
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yael Perry
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Cristyn Davies
- School of Medicine, Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ashleigh Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- School of Population Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Marino
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- The Royal Children's Hospital, Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
| | - Rachel S Skinner
- School of Medicine, Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lucinda Grummitt
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Emma Barrett
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Ahmed SB. The importance of sex and gender in basic and clinical research. Nat Rev Nephrol 2024; 20:2-3. [PMID: 37069284 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-023-00716-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia B Ahmed
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- O'Brien Institute for Public Health, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Alberta Kidney Disease Network, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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Pasin C, Consiglio CR, Huisman J, de Lange AMG, Peckham H, Vallejo-Yagüe E, Abela IA, Islander U, Neuner-Jehle N, Pujantell M, Roth O, Schirmer M, Tepekule B, Zeeb M, Hachfeld A, Aebi-Popp K, Kouyos RD, Bonhoeffer S. Sex and gender in infection and immunity: addressing the bottlenecks from basic science to public health and clinical applications. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:221628. [PMID: 37416827 PMCID: PMC10320357 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.221628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Although sex and gender are recognized as major determinants of health and immunity, their role is rarely considered in clinical practice and public health. We identified six bottlenecks preventing the inclusion of sex and gender considerations from basic science to clinical practice, precision medicine and public health policies. (i) A terminology-related bottleneck, linked to the definitions of sex and gender themselves, and the lack of consensus on how to evaluate gender. (ii) A data-related bottleneck, due to gaps in sex-disaggregated data, data on trans/non-binary people and gender identity. (iii) A translational bottleneck, limited by animal models and the underrepresentation of gender minorities in biomedical studies. (iv) A statistical bottleneck, with inappropriate statistical analyses and results interpretation. (v) An ethical bottleneck posed by the underrepresentation of pregnant people and gender minorities in clinical studies. (vi) A structural bottleneck, as systemic bias and discriminations affect not only academic research but also decision makers. We specify guidelines for researchers, scientific journals, funding agencies and academic institutions to address these bottlenecks. Following such guidelines will support the development of more efficient and equitable care strategies for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Pasin
- Collegium Helveticum, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Camila R. Consiglio
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jana S. Huisman
- Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
- Physics of Living Systems, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Ann-Marie G. de Lange
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, 0373 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
| | - Hannah Peckham
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis at UCL, UCLH and GOSH, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | | | - Irene A. Abela
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ulrika Islander
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
- SciLifeLab, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Nadia Neuner-Jehle
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maria Pujantell
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Olivia Roth
- Marine Evolutionary Biology, Zoological Institute, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Melanie Schirmer
- Emmy Noether Group for Computational Microbiome Research, ZIEL – Institute for Food and Health, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Burcu Tepekule
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marius Zeeb
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anna Hachfeld
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital and University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Karoline Aebi-Popp
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital and University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lindenhofspital, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Roger D. Kouyos
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Bonhoeffer
- Collegium Helveticum, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
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Ogaz D, Allen H, Reid D, Brown JRG, Howarth AR, Pulford CV, Mercer CH, Saunders J, Hughes G, Mohammed H. COVID-19 infection and vaccination uptake in men and gender-diverse people who have sex with men in the UK: analyses of a large, online community cross-sectional survey (RiiSH-COVID) undertaken November-December 2021. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:829. [PMID: 37147609 PMCID: PMC10161154 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15779-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men and gender-diverse people who have sex with men are disproportionately affected by health conditions associated with increased risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 infection. METHODS An online cross-sectional survey of men and gender-diverse people who have sex with men in the UK recruited via social networking and dating applications from 22 November-12 December 2021. Eligible participants included self-identifying men, transgender women, or gender-diverse individuals assigned male at birth (AMAB), aged ≥ 16, who were UK residents, and self-reported having had sex with an individual AMAB in the last year. We calculated self-reported COVID-19 test-positivity, proportion reporting long COVID, and COVID-19 vaccination uptake anytime from pandemic start to survey completion (November/December 2021). Logistic regression was used to assess sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioural characteristics associated with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) test positivity and complete vaccination (≥ 2 vaccine doses). RESULTS Among 1,039 participants (88.1% white, median age 41 years [interquartile range: 31-51]), 18.6% (95% CI: 16.3%-21.1%) reported COVID-19 test positivity, 8.3% (95% CI: 6.7%-10.1%) long COVID, and 94.5% (95% CI: 93.3%-96.1%) complete COVID-19 vaccination through late 2021. In multivariable models, COVID-19 test positivity was associated with UK country of residence (aOR: 2.22 [95% CI: 1.26-3.92], England vs outside England) and employment (aOR: 1.55 [95% CI: 1.01-2.38], current employment vs not employed). Complete COVID-19 vaccination was associated with age (aOR: 1.04 [95% CI: 1.01-1.06], per increasing year), gender (aOR: 0.26 [95% CI: 0.09-0.72], gender minority vs cisgender), education (aOR: 2.11 [95% CI: 1.12-3.98], degree-level or higher vs below degree-level), employment (aOR: 2.07 [95% CI: 1.08-3.94], current employment vs not employed), relationship status (aOR: 0.50 [95% CI: 0.25-1.00], single vs in a relationship), COVID-19 infection history (aOR: 0.47 [95% CI: 0.25-0.88], test positivity or self-perceived infection vs no history), known HPV vaccination (aOR: 3.32 [95% CI: 1.43-7.75]), and low self-worth (aOR: 0.29 [95% CI: 0.15-0.54]). CONCLUSIONS In this community sample, COVID-19 vaccine uptake was high overall, though lower among younger age-groups, gender minorities, and those with poorer well-being. Efforts are needed to limit COVID-19 related exacerbation of health inequalities in groups who already experience a greater burden of poor health relative to other men who have sex with men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Ogaz
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI & HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5EQ, UK.
- The National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London in partnership with the, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK.
| | - Hester Allen
- COVID-19 Vaccines and Epidemiology Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - David Reid
- The National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London in partnership with the, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- Sigma Research, Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jack R G Brown
- The National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London in partnership with the, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alison R Howarth
- The National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London in partnership with the, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Caisey V Pulford
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI & HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5EQ, UK
- The National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London in partnership with the, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Catherine H Mercer
- The National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London in partnership with the, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - John Saunders
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI & HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5EQ, UK
- The National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London in partnership with the, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Gwenda Hughes
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI & HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5EQ, UK
- The National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London in partnership with the, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
- UK Public Health Rapid Support Team, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Hamish Mohammed
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI & HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5EQ, UK
- The National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London in partnership with the, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
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Rytz CL, Beach LB, Saad N, Dumanski SM, Collister D, Newbert AM, Peace L, Lett E, Greene D, Connelly P, Veale J, Morillo C, Ahmed SB. Improving the inclusion of transgender and nonbinary individuals in the planning, completion, and mobilization of cardiovascular research. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2023; 324:H366-H372. [PMID: 36637972 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00494.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Transgender and nonbinary (TNB) individuals face unclear but potentially significant cardiovascular health inequities, yet no TNB-specific evidence-based interventions for cardiovascular risk reduction currently exist. To address this gap, we propose a road map to improve the inclusion of TNB individuals in the planning, completion, and mobilization of cardiovascular research. In doing so, the adoption of inclusive practices would optimize cardiovascular health surveillance and care for TNB communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal L Rytz
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lauren B Beach
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States.,Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Nathalie Saad
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sandra M Dumanski
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,O'Brien Institute for Public Health, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - David Collister
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | - Elle Lett
- Center for Applied Transgender Studies, Chicago, Illinois, United States.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Dina Greene
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Paul Connelly
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jaimie Veale
- Trans Health Research Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Cris Morillo
- HIV/AIDS Resources and Community Health, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sofia B Ahmed
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,O'Brien Institute for Public Health, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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11
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When primary healthcare meets queerstory: community-based system dynamics influencing regional/rural LGBTQ + people's access to quality primary healthcare in Australia. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:387. [PMID: 36823585 PMCID: PMC9951531 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15289-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, Queer, and people of any other minority sexuality or gender identity (LGBTQ + or "Queer") are often marginalised from accessing quality primary healthcare (PHC) in their local community. This is largely due to Queerphobic, cis-heteronormative/sexist systems pathologising Queer life and identities. The study aims were to: (1) identify key priorities for increasing Queer people's access to quality PHC as told by Queer people themselves, (2) identify the feedback loops that reduce or support Queer people's access to quality PHC in non-metropolitan, regional/rural communities, and (3) identify potential action areas to improve system structures to increase Queer people's access to quality PHC. METHODS Group Model Building (GMB) workshops were held with a small group (n = 8) of LGBTQ + people in regional Victoria with lived experience of using PHC services. This participatory approach permits exploration and visual mapping of local structures causing behaviour patterns of community concern over time - in this case, Queer people's ability to access quality PHC in the Geelong-Barwon region. This is the first study that specially applies GMB in Queer PHC in the non-metropolitan regional/rural context. RESULTS Key community identified PHC priorities were: (a) providers' level of Queer Literacy, (b) the responsibility of Queer Advocacy (at individual, systemic, and collective levels), (c) support from safe Queer Spaces, (d) strength from a Queer Presence, and (e) power from Intersectional Queer Life. These priorities interconnected, creating system-level feedback loops reinforcing barriers and enablers to Queer people's access to quality PHC in the Geelong-Barwon region; with potential action areas identified. CONCLUSIONS Improving Queer people's access to quality PHC in the Geelong-Barwon region requires embedding principles of Queer Literacy, Queer Advocacy, Queer Space, Queer Presence, and Intersectional Queer Life within practices and service systems. The study findings were distilled into a novel, preliminary set of Queer Equity Principles. These need to be taken back to regional Queer communities for further co-design and planning for translation across PHC practices and systems, with potential applicability in other areas of the healthcare spectrum.
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Logie CH, van der Merwe LLA, Scheim A. Measures of sex, gender, and sexual orientation: ideological narratives or empirical evidence? - Authors' reply. Lancet 2022; 400:2046-2047. [PMID: 36502839 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)02456-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen H Logie
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1V4, Canada.
| | - L Leigh Ann van der Merwe
- Social Health Empowerment Feminist Collective of Transgender Women of Africa, East London, South Africa
| | - Ayden Scheim
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, US
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13
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Armitage R. Measures of sex, gender, and sexual orientation: ideological narratives or empirical evidence? Lancet 2022; 400:2046. [PMID: 36502838 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)02466-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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