Gender and Biobehavioral Health

Catalog description

Interdisciplinary study of gender, examining the interaction of biological, behavioral, and sociocultural factors on health differentials throughout the lifespan. BB H 315 Gender and Biobehavioral Health (3) (US) BB H 315 is an interdisciplinary study of the impact of gender differences (and similarities) in health in the United States and the world, examining the interaction of biological, behavioral, and sociocultural factors on health, morbidity, and mortality. The course will also consider and critique the methods used in the study of gender and concepts and issues related to the measurement of health in men and women. The ultimate goal of this course is to assist students in developing an appreciation of the diversity concept of gender, and the impact of this concept on assessments and study of health, health status, and health promotion in America and other nations. The course is also designed to integrate different sources of information about gender by utilizing critical thinking skills for the consumption of health information. The educational objectives will be to enable students to: 1) define the concepts of sex, gender, gender roles, and gender identity and how they contribute to differentials in morbidity and mortality at various life stages, based on epidemiological data and other research, in the United States and other countries; 2) describe biological (e.g., genetic and hormonal) factors that contribute to gender differences and similarities in health at different life stages; 3) describe behavioral factors, such as acquired risks, self-protective behavior, and stress, that contribute to gender differences and similarities in health at various life stages; 4) describe sociocultural factors, such as gender roles, class, race/ethnicity, and educational level that contribute to gender differences and similarities in health at various life stages; 5) describe and design gender-sensitive strategies for health research and health promotion; 6) examine gender differences in a specific illness, disease, or health issue experienced by women and/or men in this country and others, and the contributing factors (e.g., sociocultural) to the differences that may exist; and 7) critique gender research on particular health issues. To achieve these objectives, the course will involve open class discussions, small break-out group discussions with written assignments, short quizzes, a paper requiring the acquisition, utilization, and critical analysis of information/research from library and internet resources, and a group presentation that requires collaborative work.