Is the health status of female victims poorer than males in the post-disaster reconstruction in China: a comparative study of data on male victims in the first survey and double tracking survey data

BACKGROUND: The health of females is more at risk during disasters. Studies that focus on the comparison of males and time span are few. This article focuses on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of female victims in the post-disaster reconstruction in China. We aim to reduce gender health inequalities by comparing and analyzing gender differences in HRQOL. Moreover, we analyze the trends in HRQOL of female victims by using tracking data, and then provide reasonable suggestions to enhance the HRQOL. METHODS: This article explores the HRQOL of women victims in the post-disaster reconstruction from two perspectives: a comparison between males and a time span of six-month intervals. We conducted the first survey, and the double tracking survey in 2013. This study uses data from half a year later sample surveys collected from five counties (Wenchuan, Qingchuan, Mianzhu, Lushan, and Dujiangyan) in Sichuan in 2013 (N = 2000). RESULTS: (1) By calculating the Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of the SF-12 scale, we found that that reliability of the scale and the internal consistency are good. (2) Using SF-12 instead of SF-36 to measure the HRQOL of survivors is feasible. (3) The ANOVA and non-parametric testing methods show that significant differences exist between the eight dimensions of HRQOL in different genders after the earthquake. (4) After six months, the HRQOL of female victims in the post-disaster reconstruction has also undergone a significant change. (5) Compared with male victims, we should give more attention to female victims’ HRQOL issues in the post-disaster reconstruction in Sichuan. (6) The performances of victims in the post-disaster reconstruction in PCS and MCS affect each other. CONCLUSION: We found that in terms of gender, the male and female victims’ HRQOL after the disaster largely varied: (1) In general, significant difference exists between male and female victims in terms of HRQOL. The HRQOL of female victims is poorer than that of male victims. (2) The PCS and MCS of victims affect each other. However, for female victims, the degree of influence of MCS on PCS is larger than that in males. (3) The MCS of female victims is more vulnerable than that of male victims. In terms of time span, the following information was obtained: (1) after six months of rest, victims’ HRQOL significantly improved. (2) At this stage, relative to the MCS, the PCS of females should be given more attention.