New approaches for integrating sex/gender into environmental health research

Abstract

PDS 69: Methods and statistics, Johan Friso Foyer, Floor 1, August 26, 2019, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Background/Aim. Up to now, the environmental health paradigm is predominantly based upon the distinction of sex-linked biological characteristics. A dichotomous category “male/female” is used for stratified analyses or merely for adjusting as confounder, assuming static differences between men and women on an individual level. However, gender refers to socially influenced behaviours, living conditions and thereby exposure opportunities. Moreover, gender-related factors and stressors (discrimination experiences, social role relations) may modify health effects of environmental exposures. Gender-theoretical concepts like embodiment and intersectionality are promising to advance integration of gender as multidimensional, dynamic category into environmental health research. The aim of the collaborative research project INGER is to develop innovative methods for gender-sensitive data collection and analyses in environmental health studies. Methods. The current state of knowledge and methodological approaches to study the impact of sex/gender on environmental health was assessed by systematic literature reviews for selected topics. Gender-theoretical concepts and proposals for operationalization of gender dimensions (e.g. gender bundle) were evaluated for their applicability. Results. Two questionnaire modules were developed for analyses of sex/gender impact to be applied in (1) KORA (Cooperative Health Research in the Augsburg Region): associations of air pollution and noise with cardiovascular health, of green space availability with self-rated health; (2) German Environmental Specimen Bank: body burden with environmental chemicals. Understandability and feasibility of KORA module was tested in a pilot study (response rate 53% among N=109), 6705 participants will be contacted in the main study. In the German Environmental Specimen Bank 600 participants are being contacted in four cities (so far in one city response rate 80%). Conclusion. The newly collected data will be used to identify methodological approaches of multivariable data analyses which are adequate to quantify sex/gender impacts on environmental exposures and health outcomes. Thus INGER will contribute to gender-sensitive prevention and environmental health protection.