Sex and gender in health research: intersectionality matters

Sivaniya Subramaniapillai; Liisa Am Galea; Gillian Einstein; Ann-Marie de Lange

doi:10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101104

Sex and gender in health research: intersectionality matters

Front Neuroendocrinol. 2023 Oct 28:101104. doi: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101104. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Sivaniya Subramaniapillai¹, Liisa Am Galea², Gillian Einstein³, Ann-Marie de Lange⁴

Affiliations

¹ LREN, Centre for Research in Neurosciences, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
² Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
³ Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Hospital, Toronto, Canada; Tema Genus, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
⁴ LREN, Centre for Research in Neurosciences, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. Electronic address: sivaniya.subramaniapillai@unil.ch.

PMID: 39492521
DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101104

Abstract

Research policies aiming to integrate sex and gender in scientific studies are receiving increased attention in academia. Incorporating these policies into health research is essential for improving targeted and equitable healthcare outcomes, by considering both disparities and similarities between individuals relating to sex and gender. Although these efforts are both urgent and critical, only an intersectional approach, which considers broad and multidimensional aspects of an individual's identity, can provide a complete understanding of the factors that impact health. In this commentary, we emphasize that it is crucial to examine how sex and gender intersect with factors such as culture, ethnicity, minority status, and socioeconomic conditions to influence health outcomes. To approach health equity, we must consider disparities linked to both biological and environmental factors, in order to facilitate evidence-based health interventions with tangible impact.

Keywords: gender; health equity; intersectionality; sex.

Publication types

Review