Health perception in Brazil: an analysis of the differences by gender of the workers

Abstract Health directly affects workers' productivity and income, and, in turn, gender inequalities disproportionately affect both sexes. This study analyzes the differences between the health of male and female workers. The database used was the 2008 National Household Sample Survey. Probit models in two stages were estimated to obtain the contributions of the socioeconomic characteristics of the working person´s health according to gender. The main results showed that, on average, women had a lower perceived health status than men. Therefore, public policies must focus on the determinants of health inequalities between men and women, such as the wage gap, precarious work and working double shifts. In addition, health policies that address the specific needs of men and women are needed.