Let's hear it for women's health and wellbeing: health inequalities
Download (PDF 3.13 MB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Calderdale and Healthwatch Kirklees wanted to to find out what women in their communities are currently doing to look after their health and wellbeing and how confident they feel doing so. During October and November 2023, they heard from 665 women aged 16+, from all walks of life and ethnic backgrounds, and from every postcode area in Kirklees and Calderdale. This report looks at the health inequalities angle.
Key findings
Over three in five women in financial difficulties rated their health as poor or very poor, compared to only 3% of the most well off group.
Over two in five women in full time work rated their health as reasonably good compared to just 8% of unemployed women.
Women with caring responsibilities highlighted the physical and mental toll of their caring responsibilities.
Women of Asian ethnicity were more likely to give feedback about barriers to services. They found asking their mothers and mothers-in-law to change meals and manage their weight a challenge.
Disabled women felt the biggest barrier to keeping healthy was their condition.
Nearly two thirds of LBBTQ+ women prioritise their mental health as much as their physical health.