Men's Aversion Towards Medical Consultations
In a survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of Orlando Health hospital system, it was found that American men are less likely to visit a doctor compared to women. This reluctance leads to poorer health outcomes, as men miss opportunities for early detection and management of diseases.
The survey revealed that 22% of men avoid setting up an annual appointment due to being too busy, while 7% of men are uncomfortable with the idea of being naked under a gown, and 7% avoid doctor visits because they do not want to be weighed. Additionally, 8% of men are concerned about personal questions their doctor may ask, and 18% cite getting uncomfortable body exams as a reason for avoiding doctor visits.
The avoidance of primary care visits by men is influenced by several factors. Studies show that men are generally less inclined to seek medical help and more reliant on others, which reduces their engagement with preventive care. Men may also disregard the need for check-ups when not experiencing symptoms, leading to delays in diagnosis. Fear of diagnosis or test results can further discourage routine visits.
The impact of this reluctance on men's health compared to women is significant. Men skip preventive screenings, which significantly raises the risk of detecting cancers at more advanced stages. Those not attending regular checkups have up to a 78% higher risk of advanced cancer detection, resulting in poorer treatment outcomes and lower survival rates. Women tend to use healthcare services, including annual appointments, more regularly than men, contributing to better management of chronic conditions and early intervention in women.
Avoidance of primary care visits contributes to worse overall long-term health outcomes for men, including increased morbidity and mortality from preventable or manageable conditions. Life expectancy for U.S. men is about five years less than for U.S. women.
However, efforts are being made to address this gap. Dr. Sijo Parekattil and Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, urologic robotic surgeons, are on a month-long tour called Drive for Men's Health, discussing men's health issues in 10 cities. Dr. Brahmbhatt encourages men to prioritize their health, stating that "taking just a few minutes from this time and using it towards your health can lead to decades of good health."
Dr. Brahmbhatt also suggests that men should realize their excuses for not visiting a doctor are "lame," citing that men spend an average of three hours a day watching TV and click on social media apps 17 times a day. He further emphasizes the importance of finding a doctor that one feels comfortable around to make the exam experience more comfortable.
In conclusion, men's avoidance of annual primary care appointments reflects behavioral, psychological, and social factors and leads to lower preventive care use and worse health outcomes compared to women. Encouraging regular checkups, improving health education, and addressing barriers to care adherence are crucial to closing this gap.
- The survey findings highlight that men's reluctance to visit doctors, due to reasons such as discomfort, busyness, and fear of exams, contributes to a higher risk of advanced cancer detection and poorer treatment outcomes.
- Addressing men's health-and-wellness issues, including the avoidance of primary care visits, is essential for improving health outcomes and reducing health disparities between men and women, as advocated by initiatives like the Drive for Men's Health.
