COVID-19 Gender Disparities and Mitigation Recommendations: A Narrative Review

Hannah C Nordhues, Anjali Bhagra, Natya N Stroud, Jennifer A Vencill, Carol L Kuhle, Hannah C Nordhues, Anjali Bhagra, Natya N Stroud, Jennifer A Vencill, Carol L Kuhle

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has rapidly created widespread impacts on global health and the economy. Data suggest that women are less susceptible to severe illness. However, sex-disaggregated data are incomplete, leaving room for misinterpretation, and focusing only on biologic sex underestimates the gendered impact of the pandemic on women. This narrative review summarizes what is known about gender disparities during the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic, domestic, and health burdens along with overlapping vulnerabilities related to the pandemic. In addition, this review outlines recommended strategies that advocacy groups, community leaders, and policymakers should implement to mitigate the widening gender disparities related to COVID-19.

Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Recommendations to mitigate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) gender disparities. GBV, gender-based violence; LGBTQ+, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other marginalized sexual orientations; MHPSS, mental health and psychosocial support; SRH, sexual and reproductive health; THB, trafficking in human beings; WOC, women of color.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Biopsychosocial model of the COVID-19 impact on women. GBV, gender-based violence; LGBTQ+, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other marginalized sexual orientations; PTSS, posttraumatic stress symptoms; SRH, sexual and reproductive health; THB, trafficking in human beings.

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