Gender gap in healthcare utilization observed in Finland and Sweden

Research indicates a significant gender gap in healthcare utilization, with men seeking medical services less frequently than women in both Finland and Sweden. An investigation by Kela (FPA) found that only approximately 70 percent of male students in Finland use healthcare services, compared to nearly 90 percent of female students.

Ingrid Osika Friberg, a senior researcher at the Swedish Gender Equality Agency, notes that even when excluding gender-specific issues such as reproductive health, the disparity remains. She attributes this trend to early socialization, where women are integrated into healthcare systems through maternity care and regular screenings, such as mammography.

Furthermore, Osika Friberg highlights that masculine norms contribute to the gap, as some men may view seeking medical help as a sign of weakness or a lack of independence, often waiting until symptoms are severe before seeking assistance.