Statistics of cases of COVID-19 around the world is beginning to print a pattern of increased vulnerability of men to the virus.
For example, in Italy as at March 12, men accounted for 58% of all cases and 72% of deaths.
In China as at Feb 11, the fatality rate among men with confirmed coronavirus infections was roughly 65% higher than it was among women.
In South Korea, men accounted for nearly 62% of all cases. And infected men were 89% more likely to die than were women.
Globally, it is estimated that death ratio of COVID-19 is 2 men to 1 woman.
These statistics definitely call for further scientific investigation. While there is no scientific research to credit these variations to biological differences, there is some evidence that lifestyle of the sexes could be a great contributor to the patterns we see.
Lifestyle of men and women as influenced by socio-cultural practices place men at a more vulnerable state than women, as men are more likely to engage in risky behavior. For example:
- More men smoke and take in alcohol than women
- Women are more likely to adhere to the preventive protocol than men. Note that men are socialized to show “bravery” as a sign of masculinity than women so they are more tempted to be reckless and ignore some of the actions that are supposed to reduce vulnerability. These include:
- Shying away from carrying sanitizers. To them, it is women who carry hand lotions and sanitizers. To them, “it is feminine”.
- Washing their hands frequently. Until now, all forms of washing was reserved for women.
- Disinfecting and washing their exposed clothes. Again, men aren’t expected to carry out such activities.
- Rushing to the bathroom to immediately take a bath after arriving home from town etc
- Society’s acceptance that men don’t stay at home irrespective of whether what they are pursuing will add value to their lives or not!
You will notice that many of the protocol are “supposed” to a woman’s thing, thereby, making it difficult to fit into the routine of men.
By this lifestyle influenced by social arrangement, men are at higher risk of infection.
It is therefore extremely important that we see this virus for what it is (deadly) and not approach it with a MUSCULINITY mindset.
Let us adhere to the protocol so we all keep safe.
We want our men safe!
This notwithstanding, we are ALL at risk, let us equally work hard to stay protected.
#StopTheSpread
#PreventionIsBetterThanCure
#BetterSafeThanSorry
Ms. Dinah Adiko
A gender Consultant
dinahkpodo@yahoo.co.uk
