THE ESSENTIAL
- Women express specific expectations regarding health. Their first priority is to have guaranteed access to a treating physician, followed by a need for competent, attentive and reliable professionals.
- “Women’s health remains an underestimated and largely taboo subject, but it is a collective project that can no longer wait,” she declared. The “Women of Health” collective calls for a general mobilization to listen, raise awareness and act in favor of women.
- This year again, the General Meeting on Women’s Health brought hot topics to the table.
During this fourth edition organized by the “Femmes de santé” collective, dedicated to the place of women in the professional health sector, Anne-Marie Pernet presented the results of the latest barometer, carried out in partnership with the polling institute CSA. And the least we can say is that the figures speak for themselves: between resilience and concerns, “women’s health remains an open project”.
A mixed diagnosis
When French women are asked if they consider themselves in good health, 88% spontaneously answer yes. But as soon as we introduce the strict definition of health according to the WHO – “a state of physical, mental and social well-being” –, this figure drops to 82%. This difference illustrates one thing: many women minimize the impact of their mental or social health in their evaluation.
Worse, figures show that nearly 6 in 10 women report having a health problem, an increase compared to last year. And among those who say they are in good health, more than half have health problems, sometimes serious. Female resilience, often praised, has a downside: a partial denial of real health issues.
Areas of concern
The barometer reveals that significantly fewer women suffering from mental health disorders report being in good health. Added to this are major obstacles to talking about it: 33% of women find it difficult to discuss their health with a doctor, particularly out of shame or fear of not being listened to.
Nearly 66% of women suffering from chronic illnesses or requiring follow-up for their mental health are not satisfied with their care. For what ? Weak treatment, lack of listening, late diagnosis… The reasons abound. The observation is clear: health professionals must redouble their efforts to regain the trust of patients.
Another striking point: the difficulty of talking about one’s health remains a taboo subject. Nearly 46% of women find it complicated to discuss their health problems with those close to them, often to avoid worrying them. Among younger people, it’s often a question of shame.
A society that is little concerned?
The barometer denounces a flagrant lack of involvement of businesses and society in general in women’s health. 55% of respondents believe that their company does not do enough in terms of prevention, and 44% believe that society does not care about their health, a rising proportion.
Priorities expressed by women
The priorities expressed by women are clear. For 64% of respondents, access to a GP is an absolute priority. They also want competent, attentive and reliable health professionals who are able to take their needs into account. Finally, they demand better information and awareness. Women want to be better guided on their health by trusted contacts.
And now ?
This 2024 barometer offers a contrasting opinion: it reveals the strength and resilience of women in the face of their health problems, while pointing out the shortcomings of a health system which does not fully meet their expectations. At the same time, it highlights a society that is still too slow to recognize and take into account their specific needs.
Anne-Marie Pernet sums it up as follows: “ Women’s health remains a subject that is too often neglected and surrounded by taboos. However, this is an urgent collective issue. Listen, raise awareness, act: now is the time to take action. »
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