Study: Mental health harder for Filipino women

Filipino women find it harder to achieve good mental health compared to men, according to a new study released on Friday, highlighting the need for comprehensive health-care services that include counseling.

Results of a survey of 30,000 respondents across 16 countries between September and November 2022 showed 57 percent of Filipino women polled saying they are “less happy” than men, insurance company AXA Philippines said in its study.

Meanwhile, 21 percent said they are “less likely to flourish” compared to their male counterparts, in what the study described as “greater challenges that women face in hitting the peak of good mental health.”

The latest survey showed how persistent gender inequality is transcending economic opportunities and reaching mind health.

In 2023, the Philippines ranked 16th out of 146 countries in the latest Global Gender Gap index report by the World Economic Forum (WEF), climbing from the 19th spot in 2022 as the country joins the global recovery from a pandemic that erased gains in closing gender gaps around the world.

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While that made the Philippines the most gender-equal country in Asia, the WEF said the country has “regressed” in the “health and survival” subindex after being close to parity since 2006.

According to AXA’s poll, the poorer mental health outcomes for women may be linked to “unique pressures and worries” that they face.

Survey data showed 44 percent of Filipino women respondents have said their abilities are doubted because of their gender.

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At the same time, there are also greater expectations and demands on women to play a bigger role in domestic chores compared to men, especially in terms of child care, the study explained.

Nandy Villar, chief marketing officer at AXA, said the findings increased the urgency for more comprehensive health services and plans that women can avail of, including mental health counseling.

“By putting the spotlight on women-specific findings, we reinforce the need to address the unique challenges faced by women in achieving optimal mental health and overall wellness,” Villar said in a statement.