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In recent years, researchers have revealed that there’s a medical bias against women. This is far-reaching, from patients’ views on doctors, to studies that show women are more likely to be told a health problem is “all in their heads.”
The issue is a complex one, stemming from social prejudice, but also the fact that women’s bodies are different from men’s in a number of significant, yet often overlooked ways. It’s important that the medical gender bias is coming to light, and actually good news. While it may seem soul-crushing, it really means that now we might be able to make changes.
For now, though, we’re still in the information stage. This week, another study has shown yet another way the medical gender bias is hurting women – literally. According to a report published by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), women are more likely to be injured by medical devices than men.
The difference is significant, with 67% of 34,000 overall victims identified as women.
This being said, the study does bear some scrutiny. Currently, the FDA doesn’t make details like patient gender public. The percentage was derived from an algorithm created by members of the ICIJ. The algorithm noted instances of female pronouns referring to patients.
Still, if there could be some doubt as to the exactitude of the findings, the overwhelming presence of female pronouns clearly indicates that women still make up the majority of those injured by medical devices.
Read on to find out more about the study and its conclusions.
