Introduction:

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) have emerged as a major danger to global health, with far-reaching consequences for individuals, communities, and healthcare systems worldwide. Cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory problems, and diabetes are examples of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs are responsible for nearly 71% of all global fatalities, making them the leading cause of death worldwide.¹

The impact of NCDs extends beyond death, putting significant economic costs on healthcare systems and society. The World Economic Forum projects that non-communicable diseases will cost the global economy $47 trillion over the next two decades. This economic impact is especially severe in low- and middle-income nations, where resources are typically few and healthcare systems are unable to meet the expanding NCD load.²

Gender inequalities in the burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) have emerged as a major public health problem, with men and women having significantly different illness frequency, risk factors, and outcomes. NCDs, which include cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses, are responsible for the vast majority of worldwide fatalities and cause considerable disability and economic consequences. Research and data from numerous sources have revealed unique gender patterns in NCDs, providing insight into the complex interaction of biological, behavioral, and cultural variables that contribute to these inequalities.³ Three studies consistently indicate differences in the frequency of NCDs between men and women. Men, for example, are more likely to develop cardiovascular illnesses and certain malignancies, whereas women are more prone to autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid problems. These gender disparities in illness prevalence are likely to be driven by hormonal variables, genetic variants, as well as differences in lifestyle and behavioral risk factors.⁴

Furthermore, behavioral risk factors influence gender differences in NCDs. Men and women may have differing health habits, with men being more prone to participate in dangerous activities such as smoking and excessive alcohol use, whereas women may have greater rates of obesity and sedentary lives. Sociocultural norms and expectations can also influence access to healthcare and preventative services, thereby delaying or restricting early detection and treatment.⁵ Furthermore, women's health-seeking behavior and access to healthcare might be impacted by their responsibilities as caregivers, as well as their social position within homes and communities. These problems may limit their capacity to seek prompt and appropriate medical treatment, affecting illness outcomes.⁶

Although there is a significant research shortage in this area, there are still a few papers accessible on women's health difficulties. The purpose of this study is to offer a thorough picture of the gender-specific link between women's health and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).

Methods:

This is descriptive cross-sectional research followed by a quantitative analysis. This study used semi-structured data obtained between February and May 2023. Men's and women's lifestyles, eating habits, self-care, and NCDs are studied to compare severity. 

A semi-structured data-based questionnaire is used to poll men and women over the age of 35 but no older than 65. This research comprised 100 males and 100 women, for a total of 200 participants.

The venue is in Keranigonj, Dhaka. Dhaka division is chosen using a multi-stage random sampling process from among Bangladesh's eight divisions. Participants who presently or previously resided in this area are physically and mentally fit and willing to participate.

A pre-tested and semi-structured questionnaire is used to collect data through face-to-face interviews. The survey took the interviewer just 10 to 15 minutes to complete. All authors have access to participant information both during and after data collection. The poll is conducted in both English and Bangla with full assistance.⁷

Respondents were notified of the research and were not compensated for their participation. At the start of the survey, respondents are asked to provide verbal informed agreement, and they could withdraw at any point.

Two independent reviewers pre-validated the questionnaire, which was then pre-tested with three respondents. The questionnaire's quality is based on the pre-test replies. The questionnaire consisted of many segments: (1) Socio-demographic data: marital status, family structure, religious beliefs (2) Professional information: working place, working time (3) Daily activities and nutritional information: fruits and vegetable consumption, physical exercise, Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), and High Waist Circumference (HWC). (4) Personal compliance with NCDs: knowing about NCDs, and possessing any NCDs. (5) Treatment difficulties include doctor visits and drug use. (6) Adherence to mental health.

Using the SPSS-20 version for Windows, the data are examined for mean, interquartile range, percentage, standard deviation, Chi-square test, multiple correlation, and multivariate analyses. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses are carried out as mixed effects analyses using the outcome variable. To identify relevant factors, a univariate analysis was conducted first, followed by a multivariate analysis that included statistically significant variables (p-value < 0.05).⁸

Results:

Gender Distribution

Figure 1: Total number of respondents according to gender. (n= 200). This is the Fig. 1 legend.

Figure 1 shows the gender distribution. The result shows that there is 100 men and 100 women. (fig. 1)

Marital Status

Figure 2: Total Marital status of the respondents. (n= 200). This is the Fig. 2 legend.

Figure 2 shows the marital status. The result shows that among the respondents, 75% are married, 5% are unmarried and 20% are widowed. (fig. 2)

Professional Status

Figure 3: Professional status of women respondents. (n= 200). This is the Fig. 3 legend.

Figure 3 represents the number of women respondents where 46% are working women. (fig. 3)  

Dietary Issues

Figure 4: Prevalence of fruit and vegetable consumption. (n= 200). This is the Fig. 4 legend.

Figure 4 represents the prevalence of fruit and vegetable consumption. (fig. 4) 

Physical Issues

Table 1: Status of physical issues of the respondents.

Table 1 represents the physical factors associated with the respondents. Where women are less concerned about NCDs than men. (Table-1)   

Treatment Seeking Behave

Figure 5: Treatment-seeking behavior of the respondents. (n= 200). This is the Fig. 5 legend.

Figure 5 represents the treatment-seeking behavior of the respondents. (fig. 5)  

Drugs Intake

Figure 6: Level of intake of drugs according to the treatment of the respondents. (n= 200). This is the Fig. 6 legend.

Figure 6 represents the level of intake of drugs according to the treatment of the respondents. (fig. 6)

Mental Health Issues

Table 2: Mental health status of the respondents.

Table 2 represents the mental health issues of the respondents where women are suffering more than men. (Table-2)     

Discussion:
The risk variables for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) reported in this study are not significantly modified by age, gender, employment, or working experience.⁹ However, this study found that respondents' dietary concerns, physical issues, treatment behavior, and mental health issues are well communicated with NCDs (Noncommunicable Diseases).

The results suggest that men and women responded equally. In another study, we received 57 male and 43 female responses.¹⁰ The majority of responders (75%) are married. There are 46% working women. Others say it was 67% in 2010.¹¹ From 1994 to 2005, men's and women's consumption rates of fruits and vegetables in the United States (United States) were nearly identical (28.4% and 29.6%, respectively).¹² However, our study reveals deficiency among women responders. Some physical variables are connected with responders, with women reporting lower levels of anxiety about their health than males. Physical activity is popular among 28% of men and 72% of women. However, as in Australia, males are more physically active than females, regardless of age or size.¹³ 55% of women are overweight or obese. 21% of males have a larger waist circumference than women. Approximately 65% of women are suffering from NCDs, with uncontrolled DM following treatment. In our survey, males (69%) reported more ailments than women (31%). Research in Europe revealed the same results.¹⁴ According to our findings, there is a depressed scenario in treatment-seeking behavior among women. Men (83%) are more likely to seek therapy than women (17%). Men account for over 60% of all drug use. However, it was only 40% in the case of women. An article in India discusses nearly the same tendency among women owing to financial reliance.¹⁵ We also analyzed our responders' mental health difficulties. In general, we discovered that women are more likely to suffer than males in this regard. However, one piece from Canada paints a different view of it. They addressed additional pain among males.¹⁶ In our study, women had an anxiety level of 67% and a depression level of 86%. However, the percentage of males is modest (anxiety: 33%, depression: 14%).

Conclusion:

Recognizing and treating the relationship between women's health and noncommunicable diseases is crucial for achieving global health equity. Societies may aim to empower women, prevent NCDs, and ultimately enhance women's overall well-being by establishing a holistic and gender-appropriate strategy. To address this issue, both the government and non-governmental groups should take action.

Recommendations:

Adopting an evolutionary approach to NCDs, as well as using sex-disaggregated healthcare data from a gender perspective, has the potential to greatly improve the health of women and men worldwide. Large-scale research is required to generalize the results and improve the situation.  As a result, this research will provide a firm basis for future academics studying this issue, as well as a significant resource for policymakers in the relevant industry.

Limitations:

Due to scheduling constraints, this cross-sectional study was single-blinded and carried out at a single institution. Furthermore, the sample size is limited and may not accurately reflect the country's general position.

Acknowledgment:

We are grateful to the study participants and the authorities of the study site.

The study was not financed, and there were no conflicts of interest.