Souvik Dubey <br/><br/>
Gender Inequity in Neurological Health Care in India: Socio Cultural Influences Clinical Challenges and Potential Pathways to Equity 

 - Pg 15 
<br/><br/> The issue of gender-based inequity in health care, particularly in neuromedicine, is indeed a matter of serious concern in India.<br/>From birth, girls often face discrimination, which can manifest in malnutrition, unequal access to education, and inadequate<br/>health care, all of which impact their neurological health. Neurological conditions such as epilepsy, stroke, psychosomatic<br/>disorders, and demyelinating disorders reveal stark disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and care based on gender. Key<br/>factors contributing to this gender-based inequity in neuromedicine are socio-cultural barriers (deep-rooted societal norms<br/>and cultural practices in India often prioritize the health of male family members over females. These norms can result in<br/>women delaying seeking medical attention or being denied care altogether. This contributes to late diagnoses and poor<br/>outcomes for women with neurological conditions; myths misconceptions and misbeliefs (neurological disorders, particularly<br/>epilepsy and psychosomatic disorders, carry significant stigma, especially for women). Misconceptions around conditions<br/>like epilepsy can lead to social isolation, exclusion from marriage prospects, and neglect in care. Additionally, women’s<br/>health issues are often dismissed as psychological or “hormonal”, leading to misdiagnoses; access to health care (women<br/>often face structural barriers, such as lack of autonomy in decision-making, lower financial independence, and restricted<br/>mobility), which limit their access to neuromedical care. Health care resources in rural and underserved areas are limited,<br/>and gender biases in treatment mean that women are less likely to receive timely and adequate interventions for neurological<br/>conditions; malnutrition (poor nutrition among women), starting from childhood, is a significant contributor to neurological<br/>health problems. Malnutrition during pregnancy, which affects fetal development, can result in a higher prevalence of<br/>developmental neurological disorders in children, with gender-based neglect often continuing into adulthood. Potential<br/>solutions include awareness campaigns, policy changes, health care provider training, and community empowerment. By<br/>delving into these areas, we can begin to understand the complexities of gender inequity in neuromedicine and work toward<br/>more equitable health care solutions. 
<br/><br/><label>Subjects--Facted Index Terms: </label><br/>Gender inquality<br/>socio-cultural norms<br/>financial independence<br/>cultural beliefs<br/>LGBTQ health<br/>societal oppression<br/>transgenerational concepts