In a recent thread on X (formerly Twitter), a concerning narrative emerged regarding the health of Gen Z women.
"Gen Z girls and having one serious ailment. Can't wrap my head around it," the originating tweet by one Ebuka (@coded_bruh) reads.
A reply by a blue-tick user (@Neo_officiall) was one of the quotes that magnified the comment and subsequently sparked a heated debate, with the headline "the average Gen Z girl has an ailment". He noted that a significant portion of these health issues are hereditary, but "our parents were not this sick."
The tweet goes further to assert that finding a healthy woman in Nigeria is akin to "finding a needle in a haystack." Such statements, while provocative, demand a closer examination rooted in facts and scientific evidence.
Understanding the context
The reply in question states:
"Bro this is another pandemic that I am surprised many people aren't talking about. There is something going on with our women. The average girl has an ailment, and it's painful because now you have to walk away, so you don't intentionally condemn your kids to the same fate coz most of the ailments are hereditary.
"The marriage thing is beyond just you. You have to choose a woman who guarantees a clean bill of health for your children while also being a great wife and mother. That feels like finding a needle in a haystack now. Our parents were not this sick. I don't know if it's what we are consuming that is triggering it, but it's a very big issue right now. To find a woman who is well now is almost impossible."
Debunking the claims
1. Generalisation of health issues
The assertion that "the average girl has an ailment" is an overgeneralisation that lacks empirical backing. Health issues can affect anyone, irrespective of gender, and attributing a higher prevalence to women without statistical evidence is misleading. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), health problems affect both men and women, though the types and frequencies of certain conditions may vary.
2. Hereditary illnesses
The tweet implies that most ailments affecting Nigerian women are hereditary. While genetics do play a role in some diseases, not all health conditions are passed down from parents to children. Lifestyle, environmental factors, and access to healthcare are significant contributors to an individual's health. Conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and certain cancers can be influenced by diet, physical activity, and healthcare access rather than purely genetics.
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3. Historical comparison
Comparing the health of modern women to that of previous generations ("Our parents were not this sick") is problematic. Advances in medical technology and diagnostics mean that illnesses which might have gone undiagnosed or misdiagnosed in the past are now more easily detected. Improved awareness and medical infrastructure lead to more people seeking and receiving diagnoses and treatments that were previously unavailable.
4. Impact of diet and environment
The tweet's mention of "what we are consuming" points to a legitimate concern about diet and environmental factors. Modern diets, often high in processed foods and low in nutrients, can contribute to various health issues. Environmental pollution and stress also play significant roles in public health. However, these factors affect both men and women and are not exclusive to the female population.
What the data says
Health statistics in Nigeria
According to the Nigerian National Health Profile, the prevalence of chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes has increased, but this trend is seen in both men and women. For instance, a 2018 study published in the 'Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health' found that the prevalence of hypertension was 38.1% in men and 31.7% in women. This indicates that health issues are not disproportionately affecting women as the tweet suggests.
Global perspective
Globally, health trends show similar patterns. The WHO reports that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, respiratory diseases, and diabetes are rising worldwide due to lifestyle changes, urbanisation, and aging populations. These trends are not unique to Nigeria or to women but are part of a global health challenge.
Dispelling myths
Promoting health equity
Rather than focusing on unfounded claims about the health of Nigerian women, it is more productive to address the systemic issues that affect health outcomes for everyone. This includes improving access to quality healthcare, promoting healthy lifestyles, and ensuring that both men and women receive adequate medical attention.
Encouraging accurate health information
Misinformation can lead to stigma and discrimination, particularly against women. It is crucial to base health discussions on accurate data and scientific research. Health education campaigns and public awareness initiatives should aim to dispel myths and provide reliable information about the causes and prevention of common illnesses.
Empowering women
Empowering women with knowledge about their health and access to healthcare services is vital. This includes regular health screenings, education on nutrition and exercise, and mental health support. By addressing health issues proactively, women can lead healthier lives and make informed choices about their well-being.
Ultimately, the narrative that modern Nigerian women are overwhelmingly plagued by hereditary illnesses is not supported by empirical evidence. While health challenges exist, they are not unique to women nor disproportionately affect them compared to men. It is essential to approach health discussions with a balanced perspective, focusing on facts and fostering an environment of understanding and support.