# A Sex- and Gender-Based Approach to Chronic Conditions in Central Catalonia (Spain): A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

## TL;DR

This study examines how chronic conditions vary by sex and age in a region of Spain, highlighting the importance of gender-based approaches in healthcare.

## Contribution

The study provides a detailed sex- and gender-based analysis of chronic condition prevalence in a specific region.

## Key findings

- 75,936 individuals (46.6%) had at least one chronic condition.
- Women and older individuals had higher prevalence of chronic conditions.
- Males were more likely to have cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, while females had higher rates of mental health disorders.

## Abstract

The growth of chronic conditions worldwide poses a challenge for both health systems and the quality of life of people with these conditions. However, sex- and gender-based approaches are scarce in this field. Adopting this perspective, this study aims to describe the prevalence of chronic conditions in the Bages–Moianès region (Catalonia, Spain), and analyse the associations of chronic conditions with sex and age. This cross-sectional study used data from the population assigned to the Catalan Health Institute primary care settings in this area between 2018 and 2021 (n = 163,024). A total of 26 chronic conditions (grouped into 7 typologies), sex and age were the analysis variables. A total of 75,936 individuals presented at least one chronic condition, representing 46.6% of the analysed population. The prevalence was higher among women and older individuals. Being male was associated with a greater probability of presenting cardiovascular diseases, neurodevelopmental disorders and metabolic diseases and a lower probability of presenting neurodegenerative diseases, chronic pain and mental health disorders. Adjusting by sex, a positive age gradient was observed in most groups, except for respiratory diseases and mental health disorders. Chronic conditions have a high prevalence in the Bages–Moianès region, showing differences in typology, sex and age. Adopting gender perspectives (both in health systems and future research) is crucial when dealing with chronic conditions in order to take into account their differential impact.