Effects of a School-Based Gender Equity Program that Reshapes Gender Norms in Promoting Child and Adolescent Health: A Cross-Sectional Study in China

Keyu Peng , Renmin University of China
Zhixin Shi, renmin
Yichen Qiu, University of Leicester
Wenkai Yang, Renmin University of China
Yueping Song, Renmin University of China

Restrictive gender norms serve as a fundamental social determinant of health, imposing a health burden on adolescents for both girls and boys. Adolescence marks a critical "window of opportunity" for intervention, as young individuals begin to internalize these societal expectations. This paper presents the first evaluation of a novel, multi-component gender equity education intervention in promoting child and adolescent health in Guangdong, China. This systemic program combines a 'three-class' curriculum (specialized, integrated, practical) with a gender-sensitive school environment and adaptive urban/rural models. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 3,199 adolescents (1,533 intervention, 1,666 control) to evaluate the actual effects of this intervention on child and adolescent health. Results show that the intervention was associated with significantly more equitable gender norms and improved well-being among the participants. Besides, we found a clear dose-response effect: the highest intensity group showed a near-doubling in odds of good physical fitness (OR 1.863, p<0.001), a 29% reduction in odds of depressive tendency (OR 0.710, p<0.01), and significantly higher self-esteem (p<0.05) and academic grades (p<0.05). A key finding was the program's more obvious positive impact on boys, demonstrating a 'co-benefit' by dismantling 'hazardous masculinities' and improving their mental health. The results prove that investing in gender equality in schools is not only a moral imperative but also a direct, effective, and measurable strategy to improve population health and well-being.

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 Presented in Session 29. Flash Session Child and Adolescent Health and Development