Gender and health care: the point of view of professionals working in hospital and outpatient settings

Abstract

Studies have investigated gender relations in the field of health, in the use of services and health care from the point of view of users, especially in primary care. By means of content analysis of interviews, this study investigated conceptions of gender and their relationship to the practices of six nurses, and five physicians working in outpatient and hospital care. This paper discusses gender differences in healthcare, and health services for men andwomen. The professionals interviewed reported differences in the service provided, and in the attitudes of male and female patients in health services, attributed to biological and social differences. In conclusion, gender issues are present in the practice of health professionals, and they must be considered in their training.