The role of gender in health outcomes among women in Central Asia: a narrative review of the literature

Background: Gender norms and roles have profound influences on women's health outcomes. This narrative review sought to understand the major gender-based health outcomes for women in the Central Asian Republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Design: We identified studies published between January 2000 and January 2018 relating to gender inequity and health through a literature review. Results: From the review findings, we noted five major gender-based health outcome themes: HIV & STI, gender based violence, reproductive healthcare utilization, substance abuse & mental health, and self-immolation. Conclusion: We found gender inequities to be associated with a range of health issues for women in Central Asia. Similar to findings in most places across the globe, findings indicate the importance of a gender-based perspective while conducting research on the health of women and girls in this region.