0
0
A recent study published in the journal Social Science and Medicine has revealed that women’s mental and physical health was more adversely affected than men’s during the Covid-19 pandemic. The research, led by Professor Paul McNamee from the University of Aberdeen, highlights a significant rise in psychological distress among both genders, but with a notably greater increase among women.
Researchers analyzed national data spanning from January 2015 to March 2023 to compare health outcomes before and after the pandemic. The findings show that women reported poorer overall changes in health behaviours compared to men during the pandemic. Specifically, women had fewer days of fruit consumption and made smaller reductions in alcohol intake. Prior to the pandemic, healthy lifestyle choices provided greater mental health protection for women, but this protective effect diminished during the pandemic. In contrast, the link between healthy behaviours and mental health remained stable for men and even became stronger.
Dr. Karen Arulsamy from Duke-NUS Medical School, a co-author of the study, noted that the adverse changes in women’s health behaviours persisted through May 2023, indicating that the long-term effects may have been exacerbated by ongoing financial pressures. The study also emphasized that women from lower socio-economic backgrounds and those with caregiving responsibilities faced greater challenges in maintaining healthy behaviours and social engagement during periods of heightened stress.
Researchers are calling for targeted interventions to address these disparities, particularly for vulnerable groups of women who continue to experience the lingering impacts of the pandemic.
Disclaimer: This article is based on findings reported by The Hans India and the referenced study. The information provided is for general awareness and should not be considered medical advice. Readers are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals for personal health concerns.
