Gender-based disparities on health indices during COVID-19 crisis: a nationwide cross-sectional study in Jordan

Gender-based disparities on health indices during COVID-19 crisis: a nationwide cross-sectional study in Jordan

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Abstract Background COVID-19 has an inevitable burden on public health, potentially widening the gender gap in healthcare and the economy.We aimed to assess gender-based desparities during COVID-19 in Jordan in terms of health indices, mental well-being and economic burden.Methods A nationally representative sample of 1300 participants ≥18 years living in Jordan were selected using stratified random sampling.

Data were collected via telephone interviews in this cross-sectional study.Chi-square was used to test age and gender differences according to demographics, economic burden, and health indices (access to healthcare, health insurance, antenatal and reproductive services).A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the beta-coefficient (β) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of factors correlated with mental well-being, assessed by patients’ health questionnaire 4 (PHQ-4).

Results 656 (50.5%) men and 644 (49.5%) women completed the interview.

Three-fourths of the participants had health insurance during the COVID-19 iphone 13 price ohio crisis.There was no significant difference in healthcare coverage or access between women and men (p > 0.05).

Half of pregnant women were unable to access antenatal care.Gender was a significant predictor of higher PHQ-4 scores (women vs.men: β: 0.

88, 95% CI: 0.54–1.22).

Among women, age ≥ 60 years and being married were associated with significantly lower PHQ-4 scores.Only 0.38% of click here the overall participants lost their jobs; however, 8.

3% reported a reduced payment.More women (13.89%) were not paid during the crisis as compared with men (6.

92%) (P = 0.01).Conclusions Our results showed no gender differences in healthcare coverage or access during the COVID-19 crisis generally.

Women in Jordan are experiencing worse outcomes in terms of mental well-being and economic burden.Policymakers should give priority to women’s mental health and antenatal and reproductive services.Financial security should be addressed in all Jordanian COVID-19 national plans because the crisis appears widening the gender gap in the economy.