Gender and Health Issues Practice Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering gender-based health differences, the impact of discrimination on physical and mental health, and institutional challenges in healthcare.

Gender and Health Issues

Refers to the differences in health risks, needs, and access to healthcare between men and women, influenced by biology and gender roles.

Cardiovascular disease

A group of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels, making it harder for the heart to pump blood properly; it is more common in men.

Suicide

Death caused by intentionally ending one's own life; men have higher rates of this compared to women.

Substance abuse

Harmful use of alcohol or drugs; men have higher rates of this and antisocial behavior.

Osteoporosis

A condition characterized by weak and fragile bones, which is a common health issue for women.

Arthritis

A common health issue for women involving swelling and pain in the joints.

Depression and anxiety

Mental health conditions affecting mood and emotions; women experience higher rates, with depression being twice as prevalent in women.

Dementia

A common health issue in women involving memory loss and a decline in thinking ability.

Gender discrimination

Any action that excludes or disadvantages people based on their gender, which can be deliberately unfair or unintentionally disadvantageous.

Sexism

Prejudice based on sex or gender that frequently devalues women and femininity while privileging men and masculinity.

PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder; a mental health condition that women experience at higher rates, often following abuse or assault.

Gender pay gap

A situation where women are less compensated compared to men while doing the same job, which can lead to worse living conditions and less access to fresh food and housing.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

The partial or total removal of external female genitalia, typically performed on girls under age $15$, which can cause bleeding, infections, and long-term complications.

Dismissal of Symptoms

A form of healthcare discrimination where women's pain is more likely to be minimized or ignored, leaving them without proper support.

Obstetric Violence

Refers to medical interventions during pregnancy or childbirth without consent, or verbal/physical abuse during the childbirth process.

Institutional gender discrimination

Systemic bias within organizations and governments that costs the global economy an estimated $12 \text{ trillion}$ or 16 \text{%} of total global income.

Beijing Declaration

A $1995$ milestone for advancing women's rights; the Generation Equality Forum in Paris ($2021$) marked its $25\text{th}$ anniversary.

Bodily Autonomy

The power of women and girls to make independent choices regarding sexual, reproductive, and healthcare decisions.

Comprehensive sexuality education

A required educational framework for all children, especially girls, to ensure they can make independent healthcare choices.

Workplace violence in healthcare

Widespread but often hidden violence against female health workers, often perpetrated by senior male colleagues or patients, rooted in gender power imbalances.