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ZENODO
Article . 2013
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Article . 2013
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Article . 2013
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Gender Dimensions of Medical Practice and Health Outcomes in Somalia: A Systematic Review of the Literature from 2000 to 2026

Authors: Abdi, Ahmed Yusuf; Mohamud, Amina Ali;

Gender Dimensions of Medical Practice and Health Outcomes in Somalia: A Systematic Review of the Literature from 2000 to 2026

Abstract

Gender is a critical social determinant of health, shaping medical practice, healthcare access, and health outcomes. In Somalia, a context marked by conflict and a fragile health system, understanding these gender dimensions is vital for effective policy and intervention. A synthesis of existing evidence on this topic is currently absent. This systematic review aimed to identify, appraise, and synthesise available literature on the gender dimensions of medical practice and health outcomes in Somalia. Its objective was to map how gender roles, norms, and inequalities manifest within the healthcare sector and affect both providers and patients. A systematic search was conducted across multiple electronic databases, including MEDLINE, Scopus, and African Journals Online. Grey literature from relevant organisations was also sought. Peer-reviewed studies focusing on Somalia and addressing gender in relation to clinical practice, the health workforce, or health outcomes were considered. Screening, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed by two independent reviewers. The search yielded a limited number of qualifying studies. A predominant theme was the significant under-representation of women in the formal medical workforce, especially in leadership and surgical specialties. Findings consistently indicated that female patients faced barriers to accessing reproductive health services, influenced by gendered social norms and a shortage of female healthcare providers. Gender profoundly shapes the medical landscape in Somalia, with clear disparities in workforce composition and patient access. The evidence base remains sparse, highlighting a critical research gap, particularly concerning the experiences of male patients and gender minorities, and the impact of gender on non-communicable diseases. Investment in gender-sensitive health systems research in Somalia is required. Programmes should prioritise training and retaining female healthcare professionals and creating enabling environments for their practice. Policy and service delivery must address gendered barriers to care for all patients. gender, medical practice, health outcomes, Somalia, health workforce, access to healthcare, systematic review. This review provides a consolidated analysis of the gendered dynamics within Somalia's healthcare sector, identifying key disparities and critical gaps in evidence to inform future research and policy.

Related Organizations
Keywords

Social determinants of health, Sub-Saharan Africa, Medical practice, Systematic review, Gender, Healthcare access, Health outcomes

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average