The field of women’s health has evolved into a distinct discipline for a variety of important reasons. Not only do women experience health conditions unique to females, but they are more likely to suffer from a range of diseases and disabling conditions that affect both men and women. For example, women are more likely than men to suffer from chronic diseases such as arthritis, obesity, and asthma. Ongoing research continues to explore the role of sex in the etiology, prevention, and treatment of disease, and findings of this research will help to inform ways in which women can take action to improve their health and medical care can be targeted to meet women’s unique needs.

In addition to biological factors, many social factors also affect women’s health. Women’s roles as partners, parents, and caregivers have an impact upon their health status and also influence the health of their families. For example, women are more likely than men to suffer the long-term effects of sexually transmitted infections, to become victims of family or partner violence, and to live in poverty, which is associated with myriad adverse health outcomes.

Through its evaluation, training and technical assistance (TA), policy analysis, strategic planning, program development, and health promotion work over the past 20+ years, HSR has assisted Federal, State, and local agencies and providers to develop effective approaches for improving the health of women across the Nation. A special focus of HSR’s work has been on facilitating the delivery of more coordinated and comprehensive systems of care for women and their families.