Which statement best describes the status of the study of gender differences in health psychology until the 1980's? a. Most health research focused entirely on women. b. Most health research studied men's and women's issues in equal proportion. c. Health issues relating to women and gender differences were neglected. d. The mechanisms for health behaviors were found to have no gender effect.

c. Health issues relating to women and gender differences were neglected

Explanation:

The new concept of evidence-based sex and gender medicine-which includes the fundamental differences of biology and behaviour between women and men-should improve health care for both sexes.

Men and women are alike in many ways. However, there are important biological and behavioural differences between the two genders. They affect manifestation, epidemiology and pathophysiology of many widespread diseases and the approach to health care. Despite our knowledge of these crucial differences, there is little gender-specific health care; the prevention, management and therapeutic treatment of many common diseases does not reflect the most obvious and most important risk factors for the patient: sex and gender. This omission is holding back more efficient health care, as gender-based prevention measures or therapies are probably more effective than the usual 'one-size-fits all' approach and would benefit patients of both genders. Addressing gender in health and health care therefore requires new approaches at many levels, from training medical personal to clinical medicine, epidemiology and drug development.