Gender Distribution of Chronic Diseases and Healthcare Seeking Behaviour: Evidence from a Cohort of 39,876 Patients Across Nigeria
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Understanding the demographic composition of patient populations is foundational for tailoring healthcare delivery and resource allocation. This study examines the gender distribution of a large cohort of patients to inform gender-specific health interventions. Data were analyzed from a retrospective cohort of 39,876 patients recorded as of February 01, 2025, across Nigeria. Patients with complete records for gender and basic demographics were included; those with missing gender data or primary diagnoses were excluded. Gender distribution was assessed by categorizing patients into male and female groups. Descriptive statistics and chi-square (χ²) tests were employed to evaluate gender representation and differences in chronic condition prevalence. Of the total 39,876 patients, 19,999 (50.15%) were male and 19,877 (49.85%) were female, yielding a near-equal gender distribution (male-to-female ratio 1.006:1; χ² = 0.37, p = 0.54). Chronic conditions showed minimal gender disparities: arthritis (male: 8.4%, female: 8.5%, χ² = 0.12, p = 0.73), diabetes (male: 8.4%, female: 8.4%, χ² = 0.00, p = 0.99), and hypertension (male: 8.3%, female: 8.3%, χ² = 0.03, p = 0.86). These findings suggest equitable representation rather than systematic gender bias within this cohort. The near-equivalent gender distribution observed may reflect improving healthcare accessibility across genders in Nigeria. Furthermore, the balanced prevalence of chronic conditions suggests limited gender-based disparities in disease burden within the studied population. Such findings provide critical insights for designing gender-responsive health policies and interventions that address the specific needs of diverse populations.
Authors: Agbeyegbe, Eruwhu Beauty, Francis, Esther Ozioma, Ibeodo, Jane Chidiebere
Language: English
Topic: Sex and Gender in Healthcare
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4410133870