Hidden costs: how Covid-19 is threatening women's health

Worldwide, more than 50 million people have contracted Covid-19. But the cost to women’s health goes much further than the virus itself. Women’s physical and mental health has suffered. During the crisis, they have struggled to access adequate healthcare; those with chronic illnesses – like cancer and diabetes – have fallen behind in their treatment. And it’s women living alone or on low incomes that have proved the most vulnerable. Action is needed now to support women in their efforts to improve their own health and well-being – and, importantly, that of their families.

This is the second of two AXA reports into the Covid-19 crisis – and its impact on women. The first, published in October, examined the effect on women’s incomes, job security and prospects for employment* . This time, we’re looking at women’s health, and the effect of the crisis not only on their physical and mental well-being – but also how they’re approaching healthcare in a time of pandemic.

To put together this report, we again worked with research firm Ipsos to survey 8,000 women from different social and economic backgrounds in eight countries: France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Nigeria, Spain, Thailand and the UK. All interviews were carried out in October – before news of recent progress toward a safe and effective vaccine.

Key findings from our survey

• Overall, women’s health has worsened during the crisis - the biggest decline has been in Europe, where the pandemic has hit hardest. All aspects of women’s health have been affected-physical, mental and social. Our survey shows more than two in three women feel anxious or worried; over half are having trouble sleeping.
• During the crisis, many women have had difficulty accessing healthcare - for financial reasons, a lack of availability or fear of contracting the virus. Of those with chronic conditions, 60% have had to postpone treatment. Forty percent have been unable to see their doctor for regular check-ups. Lack of access to routine healthcare could have long-term consequences for women’s health.
• Women are putting the health of others before their own - more so than they did before the pandemic. Even so, women also found more time to care for themselves - making the effort, for example, to cook healthier meals for themselves and their families.
• With the pandemic far from over, women feel more vulnerable to health risks. Over half fear isolation or a further deterioration in their mental health. To help them manage these risks, women say that, in future, they want faster, easier access to healthcare both for themselves and other family members.