The recent data released by the GlobalHealth50/50 has revealed a fascinating study of gender demographics in relation to Covid-19 cases from various countries. The data examines nearly 40 countries, asserting that, besides two extraordinary exceptions, the gender split of Covid-19 cases worldwide is roughly even. Remarkably, these exceptions surfaced in India and Pakistan, where men are more likely to test positive for the virus compared to women. South Korea, known for its extensive testing in proportion to its population, also presented an anomaly with more women testing positive than men.
Key Findings from GlobalHealth50/50
An independent research initiative, GlobalHealth50/50 has been tracking gender and health data globally, shedding light on the previously unexplored intersection of these two variables during the pandemic. The gender-specific data revealed that among all confirmed cases in Greece, 55% were men, and Italy and China also showed a male majority with 53%, and 51% respectively. However, a significant skew was observed in India and Pakistan with an astounding 76% and 72% of cases being men. Contrarily, South Korea emerged as the only country where 60% of the cases were women.
International Travel Habits
Reasoning behind these gender disparities can be speculated upon. Epidemiologists have suggested that in most countries, men and women travel internationally almost equally. Hence, the virus exposure chances are approximately the same for both sexes.
Employment Structure and Sociological Factors in India
In the Indian context, the gender disproportion may be influenced by employment patterns. Since fewer women are part of the workforce, and even fewer travel internationally for work, their likelihood of contracting the virus is diminished. However, this imbalance could also be attributed to sociological factors ingrained in the society.
Existing Health Conditions Among Men
Global research on coronavirus has so far indicated that men are usually more likely to have underlying health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and they are more prone to smoking. These factors contribute to making them more susceptible to severe Covid-19 infection.
Effects of Low Testing Rates
Another potential explanation for the gender disparity is the relative low testing rates, particularly in countries like India. With increased testing rates and detection of more infections, it is hypothesized that the gap between male and female cases would eventually decrease.
However, despite these findings, many countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, still do not provide sex-segregated data while reporting their Covid-19 cases and death rates. Furthermore, India has yet to share its national report regarding Covid-19 mortality rates among men and women.
The work done by GlobalHealth50/50 offers a new lens through which to analyze the spread and impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighting the importance of considering gender as a key determinant. This research underscores the need for more widespread, comprehensive, and gender-specific data to help refine strategies for tackling this global health crisis.