Gender, time-use, and health: A scoping review

Abstract

Introduction: Time-use research is a useful approach to examine the health impacts of how people spend their time and the factors that influence their time. One such factor is gender. Aim: This study undertakes a scoping review to map and synthesize recent research done on the interrelationships among gender, time-use, and health. Design: Web of Science and PubMed electronic databases were searched to identify research published between 2015 and 2020. Forty-four studies that met the eligibility criteria were selected. Results: Most studies on the topic are quantitative in nature, focus on developed country contexts, and have mental health and nutrition as thematic health focus. There is diversity in the kinds of population being studied, with an increasing focus on children and adolescent populations. Conceptual findings reveal multi-directional and life-course aspects of the relationship; point that the relationship between time-use and health varies by the stage of the epidemiological and the nutrition transition; and highlight the need to study the health and well-being impacts of gendered caregiving. Conclusion:  This review highlights the need to conduct qualitative studies, give attention to health outcomes such as chronic illnesses, occupational health issues, and physical pain, and increase research focus on developing country contexts where gender inequality in time-use and health is severe.