Importance of women's health in Latin America (Argentina)

Abstract

In Argentina, the life expectancy of women is around 80 years. However, the main causes of death are cardiovascular diseases, which represent 31% of cases, followed by cancer (19%) and respiratory diseases (11%). Women in Argentina face high rates of chronic non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension and breast cancer. The prevalence of diabetes in women is 13.7%, and risk factors such as a sedentary lifestyle and obesity are on the rise. 64% of women are sedentary and 33.4% are obese, which increases the risk of developing diabetes. Additionally, women with diabetes are 40% more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease. 36% of Argentine women have high blood pressure, 32.4% have hypercholesterolemia and 18.6% smoke. In Mendoza, in 2018, 12.5% of women with type 1 diabetes were smokers. Furthermore, only 6.5% of women consume the recommended five daily servings of fruits and vegetables, with the daily average being 2.1 servings. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in Argentina, with an incidence of 74 cases per 100,000 women. Thanks to early detection programs, the 5-year survival rate is 85%, although coverage remains unequal. Regarding mental health, 20% of Argentine women experience some type of anxiety disorder and 25% suffer from depression at some point in their lives. Alcohol consumption among adolescent girls is concerning, with between 30% and 40% having consumed alcohol in the last month, and between 15% and 20% engaging in binge drinking. Marijuana consumption is 3% to 4% in adolescents and 12% to 15% in young women between 18 and 25 years old. There are significant differences in access to health services between women in urban and rural areas. 15% of rural women do not have regular access to health services, compared to 5% in urban areas. Additionally, 68% of women have some type of health coverage, while 32% depend exclusively on the public system. Gender inequalities also affect access to health care. Women face economic and social barriers that limit their ability to receive adequate care. Programs such as the National Plan for the Prevention of Unintentional Pregnancy in Adolescents and the National Program for Sexual Health and Responsible Procreation are important steps to improve women's health. Women in Argentina face significant health challenges, especially in relation to non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and breast cancer. Inequalities in access to healthcare are also a critical issue. It is essential to continue investing in health and education programs to improve the health of women in the country.