Gender and equity considerations in AMR research: a systematic scoping review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Social Sciences
• Gender Studies

Background:

• Limited research exists on gender and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) beyond biological factors.
• A gender and equity lens is vital for effective, sustainable AMR solutions.
• Ethical and social justice demand inclusion of gender and intersectional issues in AMR research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a systematic scoping review on the interlinkages between AMR, gender, and socio-behavioural characteristics.
• To identify knowledge gaps in human and animal health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
• To provide recommendations for integrating an intersectional gender lens in AMR research, policy, and practice.

Main Methods:

• Systematic scoping review of peer-reviewed and grey literature.
• Literature search focused on publications from 2017 to 2022.
• Analysis of interlinkages between AMR, gender, and socio-behavioural characteristics.

Main Results:

• Identified three key themes: gendered caregiving roles, gender power dynamics in decision-making, and gender norms influencing health-seeking behaviors.
• Highlighted the reinforcing effects of gender, socio-economic status, race, disability, age, and sexuality on AMR risk and vulnerability.
• Emphasized that research neglecting gender and intersectionality risks irrelevance and limited impact on AMR spread.

Conclusions:

• An intersectional gender lens is essential for understanding and addressing AMR.
• Failure to incorporate gender and intersectionality leads to ineffective and inequitable AMR interventions.
• Recommendations are provided for integrating gender and intersectionality into AMR research, policy, and practice to promote gender equality and combat AMR effectively.