Health status and the experience of working in health care roles are both strongly shaped by gender and, although there have been attempts to incorporate ’gender awareness’ in both health and employment policies, the significance of gender in these areas continues to be marginalised within public debates and academic discourses. Taking a social constructionist perspective, Watts considers the ways in which gender impacts upon health in all its elements including access, technology, professionalisation, health promotion and health as an important sector of the labour market. She discusses gender as a developing and diversified category, exploring ideas about masculinity and the fluidity of gender boundaries in determining individual identity. Chapters that follow discuss men’s and women’s health; ideology of gender and health, specifically exploring different social norms and ideas about male and female health and the dominant ideological association between femaleness and caring; working for health with particular focus on the gendered interplay of caring and curing roles; technology and changes to gender, health and healthcare; health promotion as a gendered activity and, finally, the importance of introducing an intersectional approach beyond gender to articulate a deeper understanding of health in a postmodern context. The concluding chapter draws together these themes to underscore the importance of placing gender at the centre of health and health care delivery to fully take account of both the different life and health experiences of men and women and the gendered dimensions of working in health care.

This engaging and accessible reader takes a social problems approach to health and medicine, providing a broad and critical lens on contemporary health problems. Designed for courses on social problems and on medical sociology, the volume embraces two fundamental principles: that health and illness are at least partly socially produced, and that health care is not an unfettered good and often brings with it serious social problems. The volume is organized into six sections, addressing the medicalization of human problems; the social construction of health problems; social movements; gender; race and class and the provision of health care; and medical accountability. Taken together, the essays demonstrate the depth and richness of a social problems approach to health and medicine, and the critical perspective it brings to our understanding of health and illness in U.S. society.

Thoroughly updated with over 30 newly written chapters, this edition of the Routledge Handbook of Sexuality, Gender, Health and Rights brings together academics and practitioners from around the world to provide an authoritative and up-to-date account of the field. Social researchers and their allies have worked hard in past decades to find new ways of understanding sexuality in a rapidly changing world. Growing attention is now given to the way sexuality intersects with other structures such as gender, age, ethnicity/race and disability, and increasing value is seen in a positive approach focused on ethics, pleasure, mutuality and reciprocity. This Handbook explores: theory, politics and early development of sexuality studies ways in which language, discourse and identification have become central to research on sex, sexuality and gender key issues across the broad media and digital ecology, demonstrating the centrality of representation, communication and digital technologies to sexual and gender practices research focusing on the body and its sexual pleasures work on forms of inequality, violence and abuse that are linked to sex, gender and sexuality The Handbook is an essential reference for researchers and educators working in the fields of sexuality studies, gender studies, sexual health and human rights, and offers key reading for mid-level and advanced students.

This book provides a thorough exploration of the intersection between gender-based healthcare disparities and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). It covers a wide range of topics from fundamental concepts to practical applications. Transforming Gender-Based Healthcare with AI and Machine Learning incorporates real-world case studies and success stories to illustrate how AI and ML are actively reshaping gender-based healthcare and offers examples that showcase tangible outcomes and the impact of technology in healthcare settings. The book delves into the ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI and ML in healthcare and addresses issues related to privacy, bias, and responsible technology implementation. Empasis is placed on patient-centered care, and the book discusses how technology empowers individuals to actively participate in their healthcare decisions and promotes a more engaged and informed patient population. Written to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and highlight the importance of cooperation between health professionals, technologies, researchers, and policymakers, this book portrays how this collaborative approach is essential for achieving transformative goals and is not only for professionals but can also be used at the student level as well.

An understanding of the sociology of health and illness is central to effective health and social care practice. Sociological Approaches to Health, Healthcare and Nursing is a new book for pre- and post-registration nurses and allied health professionals that brings into focus the social context of their work and its social and cultural foundations. The book introduces key social theories and concepts in an accessible way. It covers a range of contemporary post-COVID issues in health and healthcare. A central focus is the social determinants of health: the book discusses these in relation to inequality and discrimination related to social class, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity and disability. It examines contemporary cultural understandings of health, illness and the body while linking these to social changes and the growth of digital technologies and social media. Aligned with the requirements of the updated NMC Standards of Proficiency for Nurses, this book will support the reader in considering modern healthcare systems and institutions, and their role in either reproducing or challenging inequalities of health. It encourages the reader to critically reflect on their own role within them and how they themselves can help to effect positive change. - Aligned to the requirements of the updated NMC Standards of Proficiency for Nurses - Presents a contemporary focus that takes into account changes in public health, healthcare services and health work post-pandemic - Case studies illustrate key issues and bring theory to life - Focuses on the wider determinants of health and inequalities in health and healthcare - Provides an understanding of the patient experience and its social and cultural context in order to support patient-centred care - Addresses the political and policy context of healthcare, including contemporary changes in the organisation of health services, changes in health work and changes in nursing work - Offers regular 'reflection points' to encourage critical thinking

Focuses on differences in health and health care as linked to important social factors. This title includes six articles looking at racial disparities on a variety of topics such as: knowledge of hepatitis C Virus; health services received and patients' experiences in seeking health care; use of CAM services; and, more.

The COVID-19 pandemic continued to spread in 2022. However, with the increasing distribution of vaccines and the emergence of less severe viral variants, the Ministry of Health and Welfare changed its focus from a strict containment epidemic prevention policy to a strategic policy of coexistence. Drawing upon the wealth of experience and adaptability gained from past challenges, we progressively embarked on a path towards easing pandemic restrictions. Furthermore, guided by our vision to be "the most trustworthy ministry for the people," we remained committed to continuously elevating healthcare professionalism, integrating and effectively allocating social welfare resources, and aligning ourselves with the global health and welfare system. Aging and low birth rates remain the most pressing issues facing Taiwan's population. The Ministry continues to create a friendly parenting environment, providing ongoing assistance for infertility treatment, increasing child-raising allowance, and daycare subsidies to alleviate the child-rearing burden on families. In April 2022, we expanded the nationwide "Home Care Program for Low (including extremely low) Birth Weight Infants" to enhance the quality of care. On the other hand, in response to an aged society, the Ministry is actively promoting age-friendly and dementia-friendly environments. By the end of 2022, a total of 585 locations were established in various counties and cities, offering health promotion courses for the elderly to ensure comprehensive and sustained healthcare services. We also funded 40 community nutrition promotion centers and branch centers nationwide, supporting communal dining venues and community food service providers to offer age-friendly dining services. Our efforts further expanded to dementia prevention and friendly community initiatives, implementing policies to "enhance public awareness and friendly attitudes towards dementia" and "reduce the risk of developing dementia." In addition to safeguarding not only the elderly and young but also every individual across their entire lifespan, we have been diligently cultivating a health-supportive environment. To this end, the Ministry continues to drive amendments to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act, effectively regulating novel nicotine and tobacco products. Simultaneously, under the provisions of the Mental Health Act, we ensure the protection of patients' rights, offering support and assistance to foster their integration into the community and promote the mental well-being of the people. Furthermore, through the comprehensive implementation of the "Five-Point Food Safety Policy" and a range of measures, such as the promotion of food business registration, intensified inspections and sampling, and more stringent penalties, we have steadfastly enforced food safety policies. At the same time, we have taken great strides in advancing Good Manufacturing Practices for pharmaceuticals, bolstering the monitoring of controlled drugs, and elevating the quality management standards of traditional Chinese medicines, thereby fortifying the foundations of medication safety. In 2022, the "Review Meeting of the ROC's Second Report under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities" in August and the "Review Meeting of the ROC's Second Report under the Convention on the Rights of the Child" in November, were held in Taiwan and the international experts were invited to review the reports. Their expertise promoted the effective implementation of these conventions in Taiwan, while the invaluable insights from diverse stakeholders were warmly embraced. We analyzed global pandemic trends while considering both epidemic resilience and economic activities. The Ministry continues to promote COVID-19 vaccination, providing bivalent second-generation vaccines to the public. We have implemented rolling adjustments to border quarantine and control measures. Residential and community-based care institutions are provided with free rapid test kits, and regular screening measures have been extended to reduce infection risks for vulnerable and high-risk populations. To strengthen economic security, we have increased subsidies for low-income and middle-low-income households, benefiting over 620,000 people. With the goal of "normalcy in daily life, proactive epidemic prevention, and stable opening," we have adjusted the home quarantine close contacts, moderately relaxed mask regulations, and reduced restrictions on hospital visits, gradually moving towards a phased reopening of daily life. The 75th World Health Assembly (WHA) was convened in Geneva, Switzerland, in May 2022. Although Taiwan was not invited to participate in the WHA, MOHW Deputy Minister Li-Feng Lee led the "WHA Action Team" to Geneva. Through hosting professional forums, bilateral meetings, and engaging in related side events, we have continued deepening our collaborative relationships with various countries and international organizations in health. All this serves to convey to the international community Taiwan's determination to persistently engage in international health affairs with professionalism, pragmatism, and a commitment to contribute to international health affairs. To enhance international cooperation and exchange, Taiwan joined the Vaccination Credential Initiative (VCI) led by the United States in May 2022. The MOHW can issue digital vaccination certificates in Smart Health Card (SHC) format that can be certified. Furthermore, the MOHW continues promoting the New Southbound Policy in Healthcare. Based on country risk and different cooperation development of the NSP priority countries with Taiwan, additional centers were established in Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia, expanding the "7 Countries, 7 Centers" to "7 Countries, 10 Centers" program and promoting the internationalization of Taiwan's healthcare industry. As the COVID-19 policy moves towards coexistence and people's lives gradually return to normalcy after the pandemic, the Ministry will continue to prioritize the care for vulnerable groups and improve the welfare service system. We are committed to establishing and perfecting long-term care systems and service resources, optimizing protection services, fostering a harmonious and supportive society, expanding the healthcare system, and safeguarding the rights and interests of the public in seeking medical care. Our mission is to ensure a safe and secure environment for food and drugs and to enhance the health and well-being of the people in Taiwan.

In recent years women's issues have begun to move higher up the health services agenda. However, there have been few attempts to set out the rationale for this, or to document the good practice initiatives that have resulted. This unique book undertakes both these tasks. The first part examines the theoretical, conceptual and empirical underpinning of current arguments for greater gender awareness in health planning; while the second explores a variety of schemes designed to put these new ideas into practice. The aim of these case studies is to show what can he done, but also to identify the many challenges and pitfalls involved.

Master's Thesis from the year 2022 in the subject Health - Public Health, , language: English, abstract: The present study explores the health-seeking behavior and use of health care services among male students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College campus in South Africa. To gain an understanding of why men underutilize health care services, many researchers have looked at the factors that influence men's health-seeking behaviours. South African men have been neglected in the health-seeking process. The overall objective of this research is to provide insights into factors affecting their utilisation of health care services and men’s healthcareseeking behaviour. The study used a qualitative research technique to better understand the health-seeking behaviour of male students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College campus, drawing on 30 in-depth interviews conducted with male students aged 18 and above. There were a variety of health care facilities available to the men. However, men preferred private health care services but were unable to access these services due to their unemployed status. Further, most men reported not seeking medical attention as soon as they felt ill. These results highlight the need for men to have access to health care. To improve men's use of health care services and behavioural healthcare-seeking behaviour, additional healthcare interventions are needed.