Gender-Gesundheitsbericht Schweiz 2006 - Gender Campus

With regard to the morbidity and mortality of women and men, gender differences are
highly significant for health-relevant behaviour. For instance, women and men exhibit
different exercise and nutritional behaviour patterns. However, we must bear in mind
that a distortion in physical activity cannot be ruled out due to the investigation instrument:
although men practise sport more frequently, when everyday forms of physical
exercise are also taken into account, the gender difference is reduced. In terms of the
substances covered by the study, it was possible to observe an increasing convergence
in consumption prevalence of legal substances such as alcohol and tobacco, particularly
in the younger age groups. Although men still consume more frequently and in larger
amounts than women, the gender gap is closing. Although there is now extensive evidence
of gender differences and amply supported in international studies, we have comparatively
little knowledge of their causes. There is insufficient foundational research
devoted to finding the causes of differences in health-relevant behaviour, particularly
pursuing the question of a further social differentiation and exploring the basic conditions
of health behaviour in order to identify approaches for offering prevention measures to
suit both genders.
To summarise, the objectives of gender mainstreaming,
− an increase in equal health opportunities between women and men
− and quality improvements in the health sector through target-group-specific,
i.e. gender-sensitive provisions,
have so far only been achieved to a very limited extent. The Gender Health Report provides
a basis for a more in-depth analysis regarding these objectives. There is a particular
need for action on the health policy and research level regarding the setting of priorities
and the operationalisation of the further need for research and action. Strict implementation
of gender mainstreaming is equally relevant for research, policy and practice, requiring
a structural anchoring of gender competence in these areas. Health professionals
must be sensitised and qualified to deal with gender issues and the networking and
propagation of best-practice models must be promoted.
Summary Gender Health Report Switzerland | 23