An Introduction to Community and Primary Health Care

This chapter examines the significant impact of sex and gender to health and health outcomes for both men and women. Sex relates to biological attributes whether born female or male, while gender is sociocultural identity that is learned over time (Canadian Institute of Health Research, 2016; World Health Organization [WHO], 2016). The differences in morbidity and mortality between women and men have been well recognised (WHO, 2016). Biological characteristics expose both women and men to different health risks and heath conditions. Gender also exposes women and men to different health risks and gender inequity impacts on their potential to achieve health and well-being. This chapter also focuses on both biological and sociocultural factors that impact on women's and men’s health and how health professionals, in particular community nurses, can mitigate health disparities and inequities.