Public Health Policy and Disparities in Women’s Health Research: A Paradox in the United States Healthcare System
Area of Research
Public Health, Gender Studies and Disparities, Government
Major
Business Administration
Description
INTRODUCTION: This presentation will examine how public health policy shapes biomedical research priorities in the United States, with a focus on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders affecting women. Despite impacting an estimated 5 to 20 percent of women of reproductive age and contributing to significant long-term health risks such as infertility, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease, PCOS remains critically underfunded.
METHOD: Federal research allocations, particularly through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), devote less than 0.1 percent of funding to PCOS, revealing a disconnect between disease prevalence and research investment. This study uses a policy analysis approach, drawing on federal budget data, legislative actions, and existing literature on women’s health research. It evaluates how congressional funding decisions, NIH strategic priorities, and recent legislative developments impact the direction and scope of biomedical research. The study also examines advocacy mechanisms and institutional structures that contribute to persistent funding gaps in conditions that disproportionately affect women.
RESULTS: This disparity raises broader questions about how policy decisions influence innovation and equity in healthcare. The findings suggest that underfunding of PCOS is not solely due to scientific complexity but is strongly linked to systemic policy decisions that deprioritize women’s health.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Addressing these disparities will require targeted policy reforms, including increased federal funding, stronger legislative advocacy, and greater institutional accountability. Ultimately, aligning research priorities with population health needs is essential for reducing healthcare disparities and ensuring that medical innovation benefits all individuals equitably.
Public Health Policy and Disparities in Women’s Health Research: A Paradox in the United States Healthcare System
INTRODUCTION: This presentation will examine how public health policy shapes biomedical research priorities in the United States, with a focus on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders affecting women. Despite impacting an estimated 5 to 20 percent of women of reproductive age and contributing to significant long-term health risks such as infertility, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease, PCOS remains critically underfunded.
METHOD: Federal research allocations, particularly through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), devote less than 0.1 percent of funding to PCOS, revealing a disconnect between disease prevalence and research investment. This study uses a policy analysis approach, drawing on federal budget data, legislative actions, and existing literature on women’s health research. It evaluates how congressional funding decisions, NIH strategic priorities, and recent legislative developments impact the direction and scope of biomedical research. The study also examines advocacy mechanisms and institutional structures that contribute to persistent funding gaps in conditions that disproportionately affect women.
RESULTS: This disparity raises broader questions about how policy decisions influence innovation and equity in healthcare. The findings suggest that underfunding of PCOS is not solely due to scientific complexity but is strongly linked to systemic policy decisions that deprioritize women’s health.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Addressing these disparities will require targeted policy reforms, including increased federal funding, stronger legislative advocacy, and greater institutional accountability. Ultimately, aligning research priorities with population health needs is essential for reducing healthcare disparities and ensuring that medical innovation benefits all individuals equitably.