Make a Difference for Male Patients During Men’s Health Month
Thanks to federal recognition, June is designated as Men’s Health Month. Historically, gendered policies addressing healthcare improvement tend to focus on women and children. Yet studies have shown that men experience higher mortality rates at younger ages than their female counterparts.
On average, a man will die 5.4 years earlier than a woman, experiencing a 43% higher death rate from all causes than women. We also know that men do not actively seek healthcare at the same rates as women. In fact, women access the healthcare system 150% more times than men. What’s more, when men finally seek care, higher-level services are often required, resulting in a greater expenditure of healthcare dollars.
Healthcare providers, or HCPs, attuned to men’s health behaviors and issues, are in a unique position to positively impact their health and wellness. What factors influence men’s healthcare-seeking behaviors, and how can HCPs make a difference in the health of their male patients?
The consequences of men’s neglect of healthcare
Men may be reluctant to access the healthcare system, but they are not immune to falling ill. The top three causes of death in men are the following:
Heart disease
Cancer
Accidents (unintentional injuries)
Other factors come into play to affect mortality: Men are more likely to drink alcohol and use tobacco. In addition, men tend to make risky choices that put them at greater risk for injuries. The top health concerns for men include:
Alcohol use
Lack of physical activity
Smoking
Obesity (40.5% of men over age 20)
Hypertension (51.9% of men over age 20)
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Because of the care avoidance pattern, when many men do become ill or eventually access the healthcare system, they are sicker and require a higher level of care. Conditions that could have been detected during screening exams have progressed from early stages to full-blown disease.
What’s more, when men succumb to illness, the entire family unit is affected. Men’s illness may result in loss of family income and impact the psychological health of family members.
So why don’t men go to the doctor?
Fundamental issues in the general thought processes between women and men are at the core of how the sexes interact differently with the healthcare system. In general, women tend to focus on prevention, while men focus on repair.
Two major paradigms impact men’s access to healthcare. These are social expectations related to masculinity, as well as social structures that affect men’s health.
Social expectations
Traditionally, men with illnesses or psychological conditions are considered “weak” by society. While cultural differences must also be taken into account, men in general hold values that include:
Exhibiting toughness
Maintaining control and independence
Stoicism
Coupled with the behavior expectations cited above, societal structures fail to support men’s health due to the following factors:
High-risk occupations
Poor socioeconomic status
Unattended stress
Unemployment
‘Man-friendly’ care
The unique behaviors of men require a systematic approach to meet their health needs. Men respond favorably to healthcare that is personalized, individualized, and creates an environment of autonomy and shared decision-making.
To create “man-friendly” healthcare, providers must implement the following strategies:
Provide male-specific health information. Ensure patient education is available that addresses men’s issues, such as prostate health and screenings and testosterone evaluations.
Develop outreach programs. Promote services in places where the population is primarily male. Consider factory wellness programs and gyms.
Ensure confidentiality. Establish trust and privacy to build meaningful relationships with patients.
Focus on preventative measures. Educate on the importance of preventive services in reducing the severity of illness, loss of income, and other consequences of advanced disease.
The Australian Men’s Health Forum has published a 10-step guide with detailed information on creating male-friendly health services. This resource is packed with tips for HCPs who wish to welcome men to their offices and improve their healthcare experience.
Screening and assessing risk
Many of the risks for men can be prevented through the adoption of a healthy lifestyle. Recommendations for male patients should include:
Healthy diet
Keeping alcohol consumption within a moderate range
No smoking
Exercising regularly
Regular health screenings and checkups
Stress reduction
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is an independent volunteer panel of experts focusing on the health improvement of the nation by making evidence-based recommendations for clinical preventive services. Screening services are critical because early detection provides the best way to improve the effectiveness of treatment and management of any condition.
The USPSTF recommends the following screenings for men ages 18 to 39:
Blood pressure every 2 years
Cholesterol screening and heart disease prevention: Begin at age 20 for men with known risk factors and at age 35 for those without (and repeat in 5 years if results are normal)
Diabetes screening if elevated blood pressure or body mass index (BMI)
Dental exam twice a year
Eye exam every 2 years
Immunizations: annual influenza vaccine, tetanus vaccine every 10 years, other vaccines as indicated
Infectious disease screening: one-time hepatitis C screening, sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening
Physical exam to include height, weight, BMI
The recommended screenings for men ages 40 to 64 are:
Blood pressure every 2 years
Cholesterol screening and heart disease prevention at least every 5 years
Colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 50
Dental exam twice a year
Diabetes screening every 3 years
Eye exam every 2 to 4 years
Immunizations: annual influenza vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, shingles vaccine, tetanus booster every 10 years
Infectious disease screening: hepatitis C and STI screening
Lung cancer screening for past or current smokers over 55
Osteoporosis screening: ages 50 to 75 with risks for osteoporosis
Physical exam annually to include depression screening
Prostate cancer screening
Skin exam for signs of skin cancer
Help men lead longer, healthier lives
Awareness of men’s healthcare needs and behaviors allows HCPs to tailor processes to positively impact the health of their male patients. Men’s Health Month provides the perfect opportunity to educate and engage men as active partners in their health.
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