First Published: 01/08/2024
A recent study led by the Sex and Gender Sensitive Research Call to Action Group, published in the Medical Journal of Australia (2020), highlights significant disparities in health research due to insufficient consideration of sex and gender differences. The study reviewed policies in North America and Europe that mandate the inclusion of sex and gender analyses in research. It revealed that Australian funding agencies and journals lack similar guidelines, potentially compromising the accuracy of health outcomes. The study calls for immediate policy updates to incorporate sex and gender analyses in Australian health research to improve care and align with international standards.
Study Reference:
- Carcel, C., Wainer, Z., McKenzie, M., Webster, M., Norton, R. (2020). Sex and gender in health research: updating policy to reflect evidence. *Med J Aust*.
Key Findings and Recommendations:
1. Global Practices: Countries like the U.S. and Canada have integrated sex and gender analyses in research policies, improving the accuracy of health outcomes.
2. Australian Shortcomings: Many Australian funding agencies and peer-reviewed journals lack explicit policies for sex and gender-specific data collection and analysis.
3. Call to Action: The study urges Australian institutions to adopt comprehensive guidelines to ensure that sex and gender differences are appropriately considered in all stages of health research.
For more detailed information, you can read the full study in the Medical Journal of Australia or visit their website.
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