January 20, 2025
Overview:
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a public health issue with gender-specific impacts that are often overlooked. Key drivers of bacterial AMR include the misuse of antibiotics; poor infection control practices; and inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene practices. Gender disparities in healthcare access and outcomes further complicate these challenges.
This One Health Trust co-authored article looks at how biological, cultural, and behavioral factors can cause AMR to affect women differently than men. It also provides a framework to understand how gender norms affect antibiotic use and AMR.
The Question:
How do gender norms affect antibiotic use and AMR?
The Findings:
- Women often face greater challenges accessing healthcare, antibiotics, and information about AMR, especially in vulnerable groups including migrants and women in conflict zones or areas with poor living conditions.
- Gender norms can increase the risk of AMR exposure and make it harder for some groups to benefit from healthcare services. Ignoring these issues in AMR control strategies can worsen the problem.
- Policies that consider gender differences can improve health outcomes for women, reduce inequalities, and support women in leadership roles within healthcare.
- Most funding for AMR research focuses on technology rather than the social and cultural factors, such as gender, that influence antibiotic use. Current funding often overlooks women’s health beyond their childbearing years.
- Although many countries have AMR action plans, most fail to include goals addressing gender, equity, or justice, which are important for fair access to treatment.
- Efforts should focus on improving vaccine access, food security, hygiene, and healthcare systems, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), alongside developing new antibiotics.
- Strategies to combat AMR should consider how gender, social status, and life stages affect healthcare needs, ensuring solutions meet the diverse needs of different populations.
Read the article in BMJ Global Health here.