A recent survey conducted in the Maritimes has revealed concerning patterns of women neglecting their health issues due to perceived bias and dismissal within the healthcare system. The IWK Foundation initiated the survey to gain insights into women’s health experiences in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.
Jennifer Gillivan, the foundation’s president and CEO, aimed for 2,000 responses but received an overwhelming 27,000. The survey findings indicated that 75% of women confessed to postponing or avoiding healthcare due to fears of being judged, dismissed, or labeled as “difficult,” leading to worsened health conditions upon seeking treatment.
Notably, around one in five women expressed feeling underserved in terms of communication and care during health crises. Key health concerns highlighted by women included menopause, hormonal health, and perimenopause. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research noted historical under-researching of women’s health issues, resulting in disparities, limited access to care, and instances of misdiagnosis.
Gillivan emphasized the lack of training and knowledge in addressing women’s health across various life stages, spanning from perimenopause to post-menopause, which could extend over 30 years. The survey’s executive summary featured a respondent’s comment reflecting the widespread lack of understanding about women’s reproductive health and normal body functions.
The survey underscored the prevalence of chronic but often invisible health issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, and the strains of caregiving. It highlighted how societal pressures, caregiving responsibilities, financial constraints, and knowledge gaps collectively create barriers to women’s wellness.
A significant 86% of respondents agreed on the need for substantial changes to enhance women’s health. The survey results are intended to serve as a roadmap for addressing these challenges and guiding research priorities. The foundation plans to collaborate with public and private stakeholders to disseminate the survey findings and advocate for improved women’s healthcare.
Gillivan stressed the importance of supporting women’s health for a robust and healthy society. The IWK Foundation, a non-profit organization supporting the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, aims to raise funds for women, youth, and children in the Maritime provinces. The survey, conducted by Crestview Strategy in July 2025, analyzed 27,317 responses from women across the region.
