Men aged 50 and over may have a significantly higher risk of death than women of the same age group, partly due to the heavier rates of smoking and heart disease in men, according to a large study conducted in 28 countries.
Published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, the study found that the gap in mortality risk between men and women varies between countries.
Different cultural traditions, histories, economies and societies influence how men and women experience life in different countries and, therefore, affect the general health status of men and women. The research kept these factors in mind during the study.
The data included more than 179,000 people in 28 countries and more than half of the participants – 55% – were women.
FINDINGS
The study found that men aged 50 and over have a 60% higher risk of death than women.
This can be partly explained by the higher rates of smoking and heart disease in men.
The researchers noted that the findings are consistent with the literature on life expectancy and mortality rates.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The team recommends that public health policies take into account differences based on sex and gender and the influence of social and cultural factors on health.
(With PTI entries)
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