Sex, gender and health in a changing climate
Physical activity has a positive impact on health when practiced in moderation. Air pollution and high temperatures, on the other hand, often have a negative impact on health. Sex and gender may also influence the effects of environmental factors and physical activity. This study aims to further investigate these relationships. To this end, older adults with and without respiratory diseases will be examined.
Project description
When considering how physical activity affects the health of older adults in poor air quality and high temperatures, the social and biological dimensions of gender have not been sufficiently taken into account. It is well known that women and men respond differently to physical activity (due to biological sex differences). Similarly, differences have been reported in how and where women and men typically engage in physical activity (due to social dimensions of gender). These gender-specific differences are likely to have health implications that we want to investigate.
Aim of the study
We are investigating the effects of sex and gender on physical activity and their health effects in the context of climate change and population ageing. We aim to describe how social and biological gender affect physical, emotional and social experiences of activity. We also aim to quantify how it influences the response of the heart, lungs and psyche to physical activity and environmental exposure and integrate the identified gender dimensions into guidelines for urban planning and physical activity.
Purpose
The project addresses several research gaps that are important for clinical and public health. Specifically, it examines the combined (not individual) health effects of physical activity and environmental exposure. We’re specifically studying older adults rather than young adults and include all genders. The project draws on expertise from the public and research sectors and offers a 360-degree perspective through the use of multiple methods.
International project
This project is a multicentric study. This means that data is collected at several locations (centers) and then examined in the study. INCLUDE covers the cities of Basel, Zürich and Barcelona.
This has the advantage that the data can be compared across several locations, allowing city-specific characteristics to be identified.
Test persons and study procedure
For the study, we are looking for participants who are over 60 years of age and can walk independently. Participation involves three to four visits to us at the DSBG in Basel and one week with measuring devices at home. Further information on participation can be found here.
Project funding: This project is funded by the SNSF within the framework of the NRP83 Gender Medicine and Health under grant agreement no. 227244 and partly by the French National Health Safety Agency (ANSES - EST-23-177). We also thank the Catalan Pneumology Society (SOCAP) and the Forum Basilense of the University of Basel for their support.