Gender Inequality and Antibiotic Consumption: Analysis of Pharmaceutical Sales Data from 70 Countries, 2000-2022

A study analyzing yearly antibiotic consumption from 70 countries found that gender inequalities significantly influence antibiotic use. Factors such as education, labor force participation, income, and political representation also mediate gender differences in the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The study found that an increase in female education, female-to-male labor force participation ratio, and female population was associated with lower antibiotic consumption. However, women’s parliamentary representation showed no significant association with antibiotic consumption. The study suggests a community-based approach to tackling AMR, specifically investing in gender-responsive strategies.