In 1996, 55.5 percent of women voted in contrast to 52.8 percent of men. A woman's health reflects both her individual biology and her sociocultural, economic, and physical environments. These factors affect both the duration and the quality of her life. For example, the average life expectancy for a woman varies considerably according to her race. Historically, women have also been the primary health care providers and health decision-makers for their families.
Women are also the primary care givers for ill or disabled family members.
Until recently, medical research has largely ignored many health issues important to women, and women have long been under-represented in clinical trials. In the past, research on women's health focused on diseases that affect fertility and reproduction, while many studies on other diseases focused on men. At present, most women receive diagnoses and treatment based on what has worked for men. However, the efforts of women's health advocates and the unveiling of inequities in medical research have led to a broadened research agenda. This research is beginning to yield insights into the health-related similarities and differences between men and women.