Gender analysis of the national health system in Chile: 70 years of hospital production

Abstract

Gender diferences in the use of medical services have been studied since the 1980s, particularly in developed countries. A common early hypothesis suggested that women used more healthcare services than men, often attributed to cultural norms, gender roles, caregiving responsibilities, and reproductive health needs—especially during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period (PCP). However, many studies have challenged this assumption, particularly in the context of acute health conditions requiring hospitalization. Long-term analyses of hospital service use by gender remain limited, especially in non-developed regions such as Latin America. RESULTS Hospital service utilization in Chile has historically been influenced by birth rates and PCP-related care. Over the past 70 years, women have consistently accounted for a higher number of hospital discharges than men. However, between 2005 and 2019, a decline in hospital care per capita was observed. Notably, the proportion of discharges among women unrelated to PCP has decreased relative to those of men. This trend raises a critical question: did the 2005 health reform in Chile shift priorities toward addressing male health issues? Further analysis is needed to explore this possibility.