Evidence from the field: Findings on issues related to planning, implementing and evaluating gender-based programs

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Systems Research
• Gender Studies

Background:

• The United States Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health (OWH) supports gender-based health interventions for women and girls.
• A national evaluation assesses the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of gender-focused public health systems approaches.
• Existing literature was systematically reviewed to inform this evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically examine literature on women's health, public health systems, and gender-based program cost-effectiveness and sustainability.
• To identify studies focusing on systems approaches, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability in women's health interventions.
• To inform a national evaluation of gender-focused public health systems.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of public and private sector articles.
• Inclusion criteria focused on systems approach, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.
• Quality assurance by a two-person team reviewing abstracts and full-text articles.

Main Results:

• 123 articles met initial eligibility criteria; only 18 met specific inclusion criteria.
• Systems approaches were linked to improved community perceptions, increased knowledge, and greater leader involvement in women's health.
• These approaches enhanced community capacity to address health issues for women and girls.

Conclusions:

• Gender-focused public health systems approaches show potential for improving women's health and reducing disparities.
• Evidence suggests these systems can enhance community engagement and capacity.
• More research is required to definitively establish the cost-effectiveness and long-term sustainability of these gender-based interventions.