Rural healthcare and gender-related differences

Gender-related healthcare disparities persist. We sought to determine gender-related differences in rural healthcare. Quality control assurance analysis utilizing an electronic medical record was used to determine gender-related differences in rural healthcare over a 3-year period (n = 78,814). Compared to men, women tended to be older (69.4 ± 13.6 years vs 67.9 ± 12.5 years, p < 0.0001), have a higher BMI (30.8 ± 8.2 kg/m2 vs 30.5 ± 6.7 kg/m2, p < 0.0001), Caucasian (OR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.13–1.29, p < 0.0001), reside in a rural county (OR = 1.03; 95% CI: 1.00–1.06, p = 0.03), have government pay or insurance (OR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.32–1.41, p < 0.0001), shorter intervals between healthcare visits (158.9 ± 183.1 days vs 167.2 ± 189.7 days, p < 0.0001), more frequent number of emergency department visits (OR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.26–1.35, p < 0.0001), and a higher number of inpatient hospital admissions (OR = 1.09; 95% CI: 1.05–1.12, p < 0.0001). With regard to cardiovascular disease, women had fewer markers as measured by a lower (Hb)A1c value (p < 0.001), tobacco use (51.3% vs 63.8%, p < 0.001), coronary artery disease diagnosis (38.2% vs 51.7%, p < 0.001), and taking a statin medication (40.4% vs 44.8%, p < 0.001). Gender-related healthcare differences occur in our rural population. Compared to men, women from both rural and non-rural locations tend to utilize the healthcare system more, which is associated with fewer markers of cardiovascular disease.