Abstract
This retrospective cohort study, conducted at the Abbas Institute of Medical Sciences, delves into the sociodemographic determinants of gender disparity in dengue fever diagnosis and treatment. In a dataset comprising 1,498 dengue fever patients, with 783 males and 715 females, the study meticulously analyzes various sociodemographic factors, including age, education level, occupation, household income, and residence, and their relationship to healthcare outcomes such as complications, mortality, diagnosis rates, and treatment rates. The study yields compelling insights, indicating that the healthcare system at the Abbas Institute of Medical Sciences offers equitable care to both males and females grappling with dengue fever. While minor disparities in baseline characteristics are observed, the majority of outcomes, ranging from the occurrence of complications to mortality rates, did not manifest significant gender-based differences. The study accentuates the salience of residence as a crucial factor contributing to gender disparities, with more males residing in rural areas. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions aimed at mitigating geographical disparities in healthcare access and awareness. They underscore the importance of ensuring equitable healthcare outcomes for individuals of all genders affected by dengue fever. Nevertheless, the study's retrospective design and single-center focus should be considered as limitations, calling for future research to explore a wider array of determinants that might influence gender disparities in dengue fever diagnosis and treatment.