This article provides a comprehensive analysis of gender disparities in health status and interactions with the healthcare system in the Russia, grounded in a socio-economic perspective. The research employs a gender approach methodology, which examines social constructs of gender and their influence on shaping healthcare needs. Empirical data sources include Rosstat statistics, national population health surveys, and extensive national and international studies. Key limitations in current gender-disaggregated data are highlighted, particularly the insufficient availability of sexdisaggregated indicators, which hinders in-depth scientific and practical research. The article identifies major health issues and characteristics among Russian men and women: disparities in life expectancy, healthy life expectancy, self-rated health, prevalence of chronic diseases, behavioral risk factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption. Socio-economic determinants including income, poverty levels, education, employment, and the gendered division of unpaid domestic labor are examined for their considerable impact on healthcare access and utilization. The paper reviews important international frameworks and strategic documents such as the 1995 Beijing Declaration, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals agenda to 2030, and relevant Russian national programs aimed
at reducing gender health inequities. The authors argue for moving beyond traditional gender stereotypes toward a systemic approach that accounts for differentiated needs of various social groups and builds health policy based on gender-sensitive data. The concept of “gender points” is argued for as a tool for identifying and overcoming inequalities in health and healthcare. Organizational and methodological challenges are considered, including the urgent need to expand and improve gender statistics, raise healthcare providers’ awareness of gender influences, integrate gender perspectives into clinical research and practice, and foster intersectoral collaboration to tackle complex genderbased health issues. The influence of gender roles on patient behavior is explored, highlighting male stoicism and women’s caregiving roles in family health management, alongside the creation of social conditions that promote healthy behaviors and equitable access to quality healthcare for all population segments. In conclusion, the paper emphasizes that implementing gender-sensitive health policies are crucial for advancing public health and sustainable socio-economic development.
