Chinese Researchers: "COVID-19 Mortality Rate Higher in Men Than Women"

Male Mortality Rate Among Chinese Medical Staff 2.8%, Female Mortality Rate 1.7%
Possible Differences in Hormones, Genetic Factors
High Male Smoking Rate and Delayed Hospital Visits Also Contribute
Higher Infection Rate in Males... Male Hygiene Habits Criticized

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] A study has revealed that men are more vulnerable to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) than women. According to data released by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, although the number of infected men and women is similar, the mortality rate among men is higher than that of women.

According to the COVID-19 analysis report by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention introduced by The New York Times (NYT), the mortality rate for women with COVID-19 is 1.7%, whereas for men it is 2.8%.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

This is not the first time that men have shown particular vulnerability to respiratory diseases like COVID-19.

Similar patterns were observed in previous outbreaks such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). According to reports published in medical journals, the mortality rate among men with SARS was about 50% higher. In the case of MERS, 32% of male patients died compared to 25.8% of female patients. During the Spanish flu pandemic, the male mortality rate was also higher.

Scholars believe various factors contributed to these gender differences. One analysis suggests that men have a weaker immune response system to infections compared to women. Sabra Klein, a researcher at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, stated, "Male patients have worse prognoses in respiratory viral diseases," adding, "This phenomenon is also observed in other viral illnesses."

Additionally, hormonal factors in women are believed to influence the immune system to some extent. In animal experiments related to SARS, research findings indicated that the presence of the female hormone estrogen plays an important role in infection.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Behavioral factors may also play a role. One such factor is smoking. China has 316 million smokers, consuming about two-fifths of the world's cigarettes. However, the smoking rate among women is only 2%, significantly lower than that of men. Chinese men also have higher rates of diseases such as diabetes and hypertension compared to women. This may make them more vulnerable to complications when infected with COVID-19. The proportion of male patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in China is more than twice that of female patients.

Furthermore, men tend to endure illness longer before seeking medical attention. Early diagnosis is crucial for COVID-19, but many men reportedly visit hospitals only after their condition has worsened.

Hygiene habits may also be a critical factor. In regions outside Hubei Province, China, men were found to be more susceptible to infection than women. Experts emphasize the importance of handwashing in this context. Studies show that even healthcare workers among men wash their hands less frequently than women, and when they do, they are less likely to use soap or other cleansing agents.