By Jeanie C. Lucy, OD, PhD, MPH, MS, FAAO
As a public health doctor of optometry, I have seen, investigated and witnessed the evidence-based research about women and health. What became evident is that women are most often the “Chief Health Officers” of the family. Men also certainly care about health, yet women have taken on this title due to social norms.
In a study by Stall, it was noted that from a global perspective, deep-rooted norms result in women being the primary family caregiver. The one who is more nurturing, sensitive and altruistic.
THE MENTAL LOAD
From ensuring family vaccinations and annual school check-ups for the entire family to being cognizant of prevention efforts to prolong and enhance family life, women are at the forefront of family health care schedules and needs. In some cases, women are the designated and official family-caregiver for unpaid care provided to members or friends who are chronically ill or functionally impaired.
Research shows that when women are paid in these types of services, the amount of assistance provided usually exceeds the level of help provided under ordinary circumstances. The result of a study by Sharma showed that not only is the majority of informal care provided by family members, but the majority of family-caregiving is also carried out by women.
There are benefits to women as the family Chief Health Officer, yet there are also challenges. The benefits most often point to the fact that the level of health care prevention is elevated. Preventive services can help people maintain or improve health by keeping illnesses from developing or progressing into more complicated and costly conditions. Prevention is what public health is all about.
Public health is also about mental, physical and social well-being and not just the absence of disease or infirmity. Whenever possible, we want to prevent the need for rehabilitation services by preventing disease and problems whenever we can. Women so often improve the health condition of the entire family.
CHALLENGES
Challenges to being the family’s Chief Health Officer also exist for several reasons. To start, primary health care decision makers and caregivers within families still remain only a fraction of who women are. Juggling family health care needs and other responsibilities such as jobs, professional careers, personal care and other responsibilities can become challenging.
A recent Deloitte survey revealed that women in the U.S. are 35% more likely than men to delay or skip medical care due to challenges such as cost, long wait times or negative experiences with previous providers. As we embark upon another Women’s Health Month, I wanted to shine a light on the prioritizing lens for women’s health needs. Taking care of oneself, even if that means right along with everyone else, is best practice.
