Understanding Sex and Gender Disparities in COVID-19 Mortality: A Narrative Review Beyond Biology

This narrative review examines the disparities in COVID-19 mortality between men and women, finding that while biological factors like genetic and hormonal differences have been considered, they do not fully explain men's higher mortality rates. Instead, social and structural factors, such as occupational exposure, pre-existing health conditions, healthcare access, and behaviors, significantly influence vulnerability to COVID-19. The review highlights the importance of considering intersecting axes of inequality, such as race and socioeconomic status, and advocates for a gendered, intersectional framework to better understand and address these disparities in COVID-19 and other health conditions.