Page 122 - IJPS-10-4

International Journal of
Population Studies Gender disparities in pandemic telehealth use

has illuminated both the potential and challenges of among the elderly necessitate addressing these multifaceted
this mode of health-care delivery for older adults. While challenges.
older adults have traditionally been more hesitant
than younger cohorts to adopt new technologies, the 1.3. Gender disparity in health-seeking and digital
exigencies of the pandemic have served as a catalyst for divide
change. The prevalence of telehealth use among older Gender disparities in health care have long been a concern,
adults has seen a marked increase (Choi et al., 2022). with notable differences in access, treatment, and outcomes
Studies conducted in the US have highlighted this shift, between men and women. These disparities are influenced
noting a substantial rise in telehealth consultations by socio-economic and systemic factors. Historically,
among those aged 70 and above during the pandemic. clinical trials have predominantly focused on male
This trend signifies more than just a temporary response participants, leading to a dearth of information on health
to a health crisis; it indicates a more profound change in issues specific to females and their responses to various
how older adults perceive and engage with digital health treatments (El-Serag & Thurston, 2020). Compared to
platforms (Choi et al., 2022). males, females often face heightened barriers when seeking
For older adults, the advantages of telehealth are health information, such as limited mobility, diminished
numerous and significant. At the forefront are safety and decision-making authority, lower literacy levels, biases
convenience. In the context of health emergencies like from both communities and health-care providers, and
the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth provides a secure insufficient health-care provider training on and system
platform for medical visits and consultations, eliminating awareness regarding the unique health needs and issues
the risks associated with face-to-face interactions faced by women (Abufaraj et al., 2021; Stormacq et al.,
(Choi et al., 2022). Beyond the safety aspect, telehealth 2020; World Health Organization, n.d.).
exemplifies the convenience of accessing health-care With the increasing integration of ICT into our daily
services from the comfort of one’s own home. Many older lives and the rise of telehealth, there was an expectation
adults, particularly those living with chronic illnesses and that technology-driven care could help alleviate some
requiring consistent medical attention, greatly benefit of the existing gender disparities. Telehealth inherently
from the immediacy of telehealth services (Volders et al., addresses several traditional challenges women have faced,
2020). This digital approach not only facilitates prompt such as coordinating childcare or taking work leave for
medical responses but also alleviates the logistical and medical appointments (Pifer, 2021). Moreover, telehealth
physical burdens associated with transportation to health- provides a confidential and secure environment, enabling
care facilities (Abdallah et al., 2022). female users to address sensitive health topics, including
Meanwhile, older adults face various challenges reproductive health, mental well-being, and concerns
while engaging with telehealth. A primary concern is related to domestic violence (Hassija & Gray, 2011).
technological literacy. Many older individuals, due to their Such a confidential environment can be instrumental in
limited exposure to digital innovations over the years, find circumventing potential stigma or judgment that might
it challenging to navigate telehealth platforms (Mao et al., be encountered in traditional health-care settings (Amon,
2022). This difficulty is exacerbated by disparities in access 2020).
to the requisite hardware and reliable Internet connectivity, While telehealth offers numerous advantages, ensuring
both crucial for effective telehealth experiences (Litchfield its accessibility and efficacy to meet the unique needs
et al., 2021; Mao et al., 2022). In addition, sensory and challenges of all female users is crucial. A pressing
challenges, such as age-related hearing or vision decline, concern is the gender digital divide, which highlights the
can further impede their engagement with technology and discrepancies in accessing and utilizing digital technologies
virtual medical visits (Mitzner et al., 2018). Beyond these between genders. Research indicates that women often have
tangible barriers, there are psychological barriers. The lack limited access to digital devices compared to men (Acilar
of face-to-face interactions, which is often prized by this & Sæbø, 2023). The 2018 OECD report further revealed
demographic for fostering trust and building rapport, can that females not only utilize fewer digital services but also
lead to feelings of detachment or skepticism toward the possess less confidence in Internet usage than their male
virtual treatment process (Ftouni et al., 2022). Concerns counterparts (OECD, 2018). This is further corroborated
about data privacy and the potential for misdiagnoses in by UNICEF’s 2021 data, indicating that women are
virtual settings further contribute to these reservations less likely to own ICT devices or engage in tech-related
(Ftouni et al., 2022). Therefore, while telehealth offers professions (Tyers-Chowdhury & Binder, 2021). Such
various advantages, its adoption and effective utilization disparities could hinder their ability to fully harness the

Volume 10 Issue 4 (2024) 116 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.1817