Seminar: Collaboration in women's health research Center for research on heart disease in women

Topic: Collaboration in women's health research between the General Practice Research Unit (AFE) in Bergen and the Center for Research on Heart Disease in Women.

Discussion speakers:

• Priyanthi Borgen Gjerde, MD, PhD, Head of AFE, NORCE
• Professor Eva Gerdts, Center Director, University of Bergen

Priyanthi Borgen Gjerde, MD, PhD, holds a primary position as head of AFE Bergen. Her research interests include women's health, mental health, healthcare services, and vulnerable populations. She also works one day a week as a general practitioner at Alrek Medical Center. She is a specialist in general practice and has worked as a GP, migrant health physician, and psychiatric doctor. Her PhD is in psychiatry.

Much of medical knowledge is based on studies of men. This includes everything from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up of cardiovascular diseases, infections, autoimmune disorders, mental illnesses, and more. However, recent research shows significant sex-related differences that must be considered.

In recent years, there has been increasing focus on women's health. Although research on women's health and sex differences has grown, there is still a long way to go. This was highlighted in the Norwegian Official Report (NOU) “The great difference: On women's health and the significance of gender for health.” There are major knowledge gaps related to how women present with cardiovascular diseases, mental health issues, rheumatological conditions, and other chronic illnesses. These gaps affect how quickly women are correctly diagnosed and whether they receive the treatment they need. Furthermore, there is a lack of evidence-based knowledge on treatment and follow-up that accounts for sex differences. Research from primary care is particularly scarce.

At the General Practice Research Unit (AFE) in Bergen (hosted by NORCE), we observe sex differences in areas such as mental health, infections, and working life. In clinical practice and in consultations with patients at the GP office, we see clear differences in disease presentation and in responses to treatments such as antidepressants, painkillers, and antihypertensive medications. Guidelines and recommendations are largely based on hospital research, where the majority of participants are men. We need more evidence-based knowledge about women, their health, and how healthcare services can be improved to better serve them. There is also limited research on how the healthcare system interacts with women and on the collaboration between different healthcare sectors. When discussing women's health, it is essential to consider all the roles women play, such as caregivers and employees—elements that must be included in future research.

Can these challenges be better addressed through collaboration between AFE and the Center for Research on Heart Disease in Women?