Female disability disadvantage: a global perspective on sex differences in physical function and disability

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Global Health
• Sociology of Aging

Background:

• Global disparities in health and aging are influenced by socioeconomic factors and gender.
• Understanding sex differences in physical function and disability is crucial for targeted health interventions.
• Previous research indicates potential variations in women's health outcomes across different cultural and economic contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if women consistently experience poorer physical function and higher disability rates across countries with varying development and gender equality levels.
• To compare sex differences in both self-reported and objectively measured disability and physical function among older adults globally.
• To examine the influence of country-specific contexts on the magnitude and direction of sex differences in physical functioning.

Main Methods:

• Population-based studies from 2001-2011 involving older adults (aged 55-85) in the USA, Taiwan, Korea, Mexico, China, Indonesia, and the Tsimane of Bolivia.
• Analysis using logistic and ordinary least-squares regression to compare sex differences in physical function and disability measures.
• Examination of confidence intervals to determine significant variations in the effect of sex between countries.

Main Results:

• Women consistently demonstrated worse physical functioning, both self-reported and objectively measured, across all studied countries.
• Women reported more difficulty with activities of daily living (ADL), though these differences were not always statistically significant.
• Sex differences in physical functioning were generally less pronounced in China, and in Korea, while women had lower grip strength, ADL differences were non-significant or reversed. Education and marital status partially explained these sex differences.

Conclusions:

• Striking similarities in the magnitude and direction of sex differences in physical function and disability were observed across diverse countries, despite contextual variations.
• Modest variations in the effect of sex were noted, suggesting that while a global trend exists, some country-specific factors may modulate these differences.
• Socioeconomic factors like education and marital status play a role in explaining observed sex differences in physical functioning and disability among older adults.