In a perfect world, every woman could get timely and affordable healthcare whenever needed; however, that isn’t the case today. The complexity of the healthcare system in the US creates several challenges that inhibit many women from receiving quality care when they need it.
These barriers range from financial to cultural norms and physical limitations. Let’s take a closer look at them.
- Financial Constraints. According to the American Center for Progress, in 2019, women ages 19 to 34 spent an average of $4,709 on healthcare, more than double what men in the same age range paid. Women spend about 6.8% of their income on healthcare, but that value varies widely by income level. In Episode 4 of our podcast, Dr. Brandi delved into additional factors that make healthcare a financial burden for many women – from the gender wage gap to Medicaid access. While it is unlikely that the cost of healthcare will decrease, as more women pursue higher education and increase their earning potential, their ability to access care will improve.
- Cultural and Societal Biases. Cultural norms or attitudes that do not support women advocating for their health can influence the level and timeliness of care some women receive. The impact of stigmas and shame is especially evident in women’s sexual and reproductive health. The US has the highest maternal mortality rate of all high-income nations, and women of color are impacted the most. Compared to White women, Black women are three times as likely to die due to pregnancy-related causes, and Native women are two times as likely to die for the same reasons. The healthcare system has a long way to go to ensure equal treatment of women and minorities. While that shift is underway, Women’s Digital Health is committed to equipping women with the knowledge they need to advocate for themselves and address their needs.
- Geographic Location. On the podcast, Dr. Brandi discussed how location can contribute to higher medical costs for women by creating a physical barrier around access. Rural and low-income areas tend to have fewer physicians, requiring women to have reliable transportation and time to access healthcare services. Women experience poorer outcomes due to difficulty accessing care. With the rise of telehealth, we hope to see more women tap into their digital options and access healthcare faster and more frequently.
- Lack of Health Literacy. Dr. Brandi created Women’s Digital Health to provide women with the education and digital tools they need to feel empowered about their health. There are many online sources where women can find health information, but not every resource is credible. And it can be hard to know where to even start. A lack of health literacy or education prevents many women from understanding their bodies and asking the right questions, but we are changing that through our community.
- Busy Lifestyles. Women are juggling more responsibilities than ever, leaving less time to focus on their health and making it easier to overlook recurring symptoms until they become a more significant issue. Jam-packed days also contribute to higher stress levels, placing further strain on women’s health. The growth of digital health tools complements the modern lifestyle. Wearables, mobile apps, and telehealth options provide busy women with easy-to-access options for monitoring their health and receiving care in a timely fashion.
Women face numerous challenges accessing healthcare, but a changing economic landscape and the increased availability of digital health tools are improving women’s ability to obtain they care and guidance they need. As women earn more and become more empowered around their health, they’ll be better positioned to navigate challenges within the system.
