Gender differences in COVID-19 attitudes and behavior: Panel evidence from eight countries

TLDR

Public health response to COVID‑19 requires behavior changes—such as isolation and mask wearing—whose effectiveness depends on generalized compliance. The study calls for gender‑based public health policies and communication. Survey data from 21,649 respondents in eight OECD countries show that women are more likely to view COVID‑19 as a serious threat and to comply with restrictions, a difference only partially reduced by cohabitation or exposure, which partly explains higher mortality among men and aligns with more effective responses in women‑led countries.

Abstract

Significance Public health response to COVID-19 requires behavior changes—isolation at home, wearing masks. Its effectiveness depends on generalized compliance. Original data from two waves of a survey conducted in March−April 2020 in eight Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries ( n = 21,649) show large gender differences in COVID-19−related beliefs and behaviors. Women are more likely to perceive the pandemic as a very serious health problem and to agree and comply with restraining measures. These differences are only partially mitigated for individuals cohabiting or directly exposed to COVID-19. This behavioral factor contributes to substantial gender differences in mortality and is consistent with women-led countries responding more effectively to the pandemic. It calls for gender-based public health policies and communication.