A Scoping Review of Gender Dimensions in Nigerian Healthcare: Access, Workforce and Outcomes (2021–2026)

This scoping review synthesises contemporary evidence on the gender dimensions of healthcare in Nigeria, a critical yet underexplored area within Sub-Saharan Africa. It aims to map the literature published between 2021 and 2024, identifying key themes, knowledge gaps, and research priorities concerning how gender influences healthcare access, workforce dynamics, and health outcomes. The methodological framework adheres to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines for scoping reviews and the PRISMA-ScR reporting standards. A systematic search of four major academic databases was conducted using a pre-defined search string, with identified records screened against explicit inclusion and exclusion criteria by two independent reviewers. Data from included studies were charted using a standardised template and analysed thematically. The findings reveal a complex landscape characterised by persistent gender-based disparities in access to services, particularly for sexual and reproductive health, exacerbated by socio-cultural norms and economic barriers. Within the healthcare workforce, significant vertical and horizontal segregation persists, with women underrepresented in leadership and certain specialties, while facing discrimination and unequal career progression. These gendered dimensions correlate directly with differential health outcomes. The review concludes that gender is a fundamental social determinant of health in Nigeria and underscores an urgent need for gender-transformative policies, targeted workforce interventions, and further contextual research to inform equitable health systems strengthening.