Gender Dimensions of Medicine in Djibouti: A Scoping Review of the Literature from 2000 to the Present

Gender is a critical determinant of health outcomes and healthcare access. In Djibouti, understanding how gender intersects with medical practice and health-seeking behaviour is necessary for improving obstetric and gynaecological care. A consolidated review of this specific literature is absent. This scoping review aims to map and synthesise existing literature on the gender dimensions of medicine in Djibouti. It seeks to identify key themes, research gaps, and implications for clinical practice and policy within obstetrics and gynaecology. A scoping review was conducted following established frameworks. Peer-reviewed articles, grey literature, and relevant reports were systematically identified, screened, and selected. Data were charted and analysed thematically. The synthesis identified gendered social norms as a primary influence on maternal healthcare utilisation. A recurrent finding is that male partner approval often acts as a prerequisite for women seeking antenatal or emergency obstetric care, directly affecting service accessibility. Other themes relate to gender roles in health decision-making and provider-patient interactions. Gender profoundly shapes medical experiences and outcomes in Djibouti. The literature reveals entrenched social norms that create barriers to equitable healthcare, particularly for women. Addressing these dimensions is crucial for advancing health equity and improving service delivery in obstetrics and gynaecology. Future research should employ qualitative and mixed-methods designs to explore lived experiences in greater depth. Health programmes must integrate gender-sensitive approaches, including community engagement with men and targeted training for healthcare providers, to mitigate identified barriers. Gender, Medicine, Djibouti, Sub-Saharan Africa, Maternal Health, Healthcare Access, Scoping Review This review provides a foundational synthesis of evidence on gender and medicine in Djibouti, establishing a basis for future research and informing the development of more equitable health policies and practices.