BACKGROUND: Healthy People 2010 calls for the elimination of all health disparities by the year 2010, including the 6-year gap in life expectancy between men and women. The mandate has been issued, but what are the barriers?
FINDINGS: The life span gender gap grew from 1.0 year in 1920, to 6 years in 1997. The following four barriers to eliminating the life span gender gap currently exist: 1. Knowledge base: Research on the dimensions and causes of the life span gender gap is limited. 2. Infrastructure: Few specialized programs, services, departments, task forces, or personnel currently exist to address male-specific disparities. 3. Funding: Over the past 10 years, funding for both research and health services for men has lagged. 4. Attitudinal: Excess male mortality is often regarded as the result of biological factors or simply a "natural part of being male."
CONCLUSION: A century ago, thousands of women unnecessarily lost their lives each year during the course of labor and delivery. Now, tens of thousands of men are dying prematurely each year. Healthy People 2010 says that excess male mortality is unnecessary, too. Public health professionals need to act courageously and promptly to eliminate the life span gender gap by 2010.
Learning Objectives: 1. Explain trends in the life span gender gap in the United States since 1920. 2. List barriers to eliminating gender disparities in health by the year 2010. 3. Review the commitment of Healthy People to eliminating the life span gender gap by 2010
Keywords: Healthy People 2000/2010, Mortality
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.