A Sex- and Gender-Based Approach to Chronic Conditions in Central Catalonia (Spain): A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Overview

Journal Int J Environ Res Public Health

Publisher MDPI

Specialties Environmental Health
Public Health

Date 2024 Feb 24

PMID 38397643

Authors

Georgina Pujolar-Diaz

Queralt Miro Catalina

Aina Fuster-Casanovas

Laia Sola Reguant

Josep Vidal-Alaball

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The growth of chronic conditions worldwide poses a challenge for both health systems and the quality of life of people with these conditions. However, sex- and gender-based approaches are scarce in this field. Adopting this perspective, this study aims to describe the prevalence of chronic conditions in the Bages-Moianès region (Catalonia, Spain), and analyse the associations of chronic conditions with sex and age. This cross-sectional study used data from the population assigned to the Catalan Health Institute primary care settings in this area between 2018 and 2021 ( = 163,024). A total of 26 chronic conditions (grouped into 7 typologies), sex and age were the analysis variables. A total of 75,936 individuals presented at least one chronic condition, representing 46.6% of the analysed population. The prevalence was higher among women and older individuals. Being male was associated with a greater probability of presenting cardiovascular diseases, neurodevelopmental disorders and metabolic diseases and a lower probability of presenting neurodegenerative diseases, chronic pain and mental health disorders. Adjusting by sex, a positive age gradient was observed in most groups, except for respiratory diseases and mental health disorders. Chronic conditions have a high prevalence in the Bages-Moianès region, showing differences in typology, sex and age. Adopting gender perspectives (both in health systems and future research) is crucial when dealing with chronic conditions in order to take into account their differential impact.

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