Gender bias in medical research is a persistent problem that affects the health and well-being of women. Despite the fact that women make up more than half of the world’s population and are responsible for most health care decisions, they are often underrepresented or excluded from clinical trials and studies. This leads to a lack of knowledge about how sex and gender factors influence the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of various diseases and conditions. For example, women are more likely to suffer from autoimmune diseases, Alzheimer’s disease and chronic pain conditions than men, but these areas are under-researched and often misdiagnosed. Women also experience different symptoms of heart disease than men, but the “classic” signs of a heart attack were based on male-dominated research. As a result, women may receive less effective or even harmful interventions for their health issues.
Gender bias in medicine and medical research is not only unethical, but also dangerous. It undermines the quality and validity of scientific evidence and hinders the development of personalized and precision medicine. To address this issue, there is a need for more sponsorship, mentorship and scholarship that promote the inclusion and recognition of women as research subjects and researchers. Sponsorship involves holding journals and funding agencies accountable for requiring sex and gender analysis in research design, reporting and dissemination. Mentorship involves providing support and guidance for women who pursue careers in biomedical research and overcoming the barriers of implicit and unconscious bias. Scholarship involves raising awareness and educating medical students, physicians and health professionals about the importance of sex and gender differences in health and disease.
Gender bias in medical research is still putting women’s health at risk (Burrowes 2021). There’s gender bias in medical research. Here are 3 keys to fix it (Berg 2018: 2024 – Write My Essay For Me | Essay Writing Service For Your Papers Online). Recognizing, addressing unintended gender bias in patient care (Duke Health 2019: 2024 – Online Assignment Homework Writing Help Service By Expert Research Writers).
