# Empirical Research of Health Inequalities Between Male and Female Employees of the Hellenic National Organization for Healthcare Services Provision: A Cross-Sectional Study

## TL;DR

This study explores health differences between male and female employees in a Greek healthcare organization, finding that men report better health but women have healthier habits.

## Contribution

The study provides novel insights into health inequalities among employees in Greece's public healthcare sector, focusing on gender differences.

## Key findings

- Men reported better overall health, lower stress, and higher quality of life in physical and mental health dimensions.
- Women had higher rates of chronic diseases and visited doctors more frequently but adopted healthier dietary and exercise habits.
- Gender was a significant predictor of health outcomes, with men showing more favorable indicators.

## Abstract

Aim

The study attempts to delineate a framework of investigation regarding health inequalities and health-related behaviors among male and female employees of the Hellenic National Organization for Healthcare Services Provision (EOPYY). The pillars of the presented framework are self-perceived health, the presence of chronic diseases, health behaviors, mental well-being, and healthcare utilization.

Subject and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 209 employees using a self-administered online questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, as well as Chi-squared Χ²) and multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

Men reported better overall health, lower stress levels, and higher quality of life, particularly in dimensions such as physical pain (p=0.001) and mental health (p=0.002), whereas women reported a higher prevalence of chronic diseases and more frequent doctor visits. Women adopted healthier dietary habits and exercised more frequently, while men exhibited higher rates of overweight and obesity (p<0.001). Gender emerged as a significant predictor of both physical and mental health, with men demonstrating more favorable health indicators.

Conclusions

While health inequalities are gaining global attention, their impact on employees in large public Organizations in Greece remains underexplored. This study generates novel insights to shape strategies such as flexible work policies, improved workplace health programs, and gender equality education, driving a more inclusive and supportive work culture. Practical implications include workplace mental health support, targeted health promotion initiatives, and policies enhancing work-life balance. These measures can reduce gender-related health disparities and improve overall employee well-being and productivity. The findings may inform workplace health policies and promote gender-sensitive interventions in the public sector. The findings may inform workplace health policies and promote gender-sensitive interventions in the public sector.