The first report on Women's Health in France

At the request of Roselyne Bachelot-Narquin, DREES has just published the first comprehensive report on "Women's Health in France", the fruit of 17 months of work. Intended to be updated every five years, this study highlights the inequalities faced by women in health, whether in relation to men, territorial disparities and the social environment.



This book is primarily aimed at professionals but the Minister of Health and Sports also wished to publish a book summary for the general public that will be accessible on the Internet. Several findings have already led to the establishment of various actions.



- So, about a quarter of all deaths before age 65 could be prevented by reducing risk behaviors, particularly smoking-related (death rate from lung cancer almost doubled among women 15 years) and alcohol (8% of women reported daily consumption of alcohol in a proportion that increases with age).



Therefore, the INPES introduced on tobacco info service advice and personalized messages tailored to women. A media campaign aimed at women will be conducted before the end of the year. Regarding alcohol, the bill includes measures to limit the drunkenness among the young (open bars and banning the sale of alcohol to minors) who were adopted by the legislature.



- Inequality hitting hardest the most vulnerable, the minister is very careful to develop a specific focus in all its policies for prevention and public health, targeting women in vulnerable situations.



The information brochure devoted to any public health take into account all the transition periods in women's lives which they may be vulnerable health. A website dedicated to women's health will be developed by the INPE.



- With regard to contraception and sexuality, one third of pregnancies are unplanned despite the use of oral contraceptives by 57% of women in general and 88% of women aged 20 to 25 years. So far the non-repayment of third-generation pills restricted access to contraception. This difficulty will be resolved soon, as Roselyne Bachelot-Narquin has filed a claim in the commission of transparency in May was accepted, his launch is scheduled for September.



The bill also provides for the renewal of the prescription of oral contraceptives by pharmacists and nurses, for a period of 6 months, not renewable.



- With respect to gynecological health of women, the bill expanded the skills of midwives in the consultation for contraception and gynecological prevention.



- When it comes to female cancers, the minister thinks the terms of a screening program for cervical cancer of the uterus, targeting primarily women who are insecure under appeal. INCa in this regard led an innovative initiative in partnership with pharmacies to conduct an awareness campaign.



- Finally, regarding the health of mature women, diseases related to menopause or depression may be treated better. The plan "aging well" will allow the testing of a consultation for screening those between 50 and 60.

Posted in: Women health