Sex differences in health and illness orientation.

Recent studies indicate that gender role socialization and obligations may have considerable influence in shaping health attitudes, beliefs and behaviors. This article reviews these studies, focusing on sex differences in health and illness orientations, and explores in some depth differences in an interest and concern with health. The findings from several studies suggest that men and women differ in health perceptions, values, attitudes, interests and behaviors. The implications of these sex differences for health education research and practice are discussed.