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Sex and gender considerations in health research: a trainee and allied research personnel perspective

Author

Listed:
  • C. Z. Kalenga

    (Cumming School of Medicine
    Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta)

  • J. Parsons Leigh

    (Dalhousie University)

  • J. Griffith

    (Women’s College Hospital
    University of Toronto)

  • D. C. Wolf

    (Université de Montréal)

  • S. M. Dumanski

    (Cumming School of Medicine
    Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta
    Alberta Kidney Disease Network)

  • A. Desjarlais

    (Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta)

  • L. Petermann

    (Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta)

  • S. B. Ahmed

    (Cumming School of Medicine
    Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta
    Alberta Kidney Disease Network)

Abstract

The first step in precision health is the incorporation of sex and gender-based considerations and increasingly, a number of national organizations have instituted policies to support and encourage this practice. However, perspectives of trainees and allied research personnel on incorporation of sex and gender into research is lacking. We assessed trainee (undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, clinical trainees) and allied research personnel (study nurses, laboratory managers) perspectives on the barriers to incorporating sex and gender into their own university-based health research and recommendations to improve the process. Two separate focus groups were completed, and a qualitative analysis was employed to derive themes within perceived barriers and solutions. Participants described three overarching themes consistent with barriers including, lack of knowledge and skill, lack of applicability and feasibility, and lack of funding agency and institutional culture. Participants recommended: (1) increasing awareness and skill of incorporation of sex and gender considerations into health research; (2) implementing practical education curricula to facilitate understanding; and (3) fostering greater transparency and accountability by funding organizations and journal editors. Sex and gender considerations in research contribute to precision health, drive innovation and foster breakthroughs in science and medicine.

Suggested Citation

  • C. Z. Kalenga & J. Parsons Leigh & J. Griffith & D. C. Wolf & S. M. Dumanski & A. Desjarlais & L. Petermann & S. B. Ahmed, 2020. "Sex and gender considerations in health research: a trainee and allied research personnel perspective," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 7(1), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:7:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-020-00643-3
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-020-00643-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cara Tannenbaum & Robert P. Ellis & Friederike Eyssel & James Zou & Londa Schiebinger, 2019. "Sex and gender analysis improves science and engineering," Nature, Nature, vol. 575(7781), pages 137-146, November.
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