Why men are more likely to die from common diseases: Insights from study
Additionally, men are generally less likely to seek medical advice, attend regular health screenings, or follow treatment plans, which delays diagnosis and worsens outcomes. Lifestyle choices and lower engagement with healthcare services combine to increase the risk and severity of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses in men, leading to a concerning gender disparity in health and longevity.
Men at higher risk: Hypertension, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS linked to increased mortality and lower healthcare engagement
A comprehensive study published in
PLOS Medicine
highlights that men are more susceptible to dying from chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS. The research indicates that men not only have higher disease rates and mortality but are also less likely to seek medical help or adhere to treatment plans. This underscores significant gender-based disparities in health behaviours and access to care.
Diseases that put men at higher risk:
1. Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
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Men are more likely to develop hypertension at an earlier age and often have higher blood pressure levels than women. This condition is frequently asymptomatic, leading many men to neglect regular check-ups and lifestyle modifications. The lack of early detection and management significantly contributes to the higher mortality rates observed in men.
2. Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is another condition where men face higher risks. Factors such as higher rates of smoking, alcohol consumption, and lower levels of physical activity contribute to the increased prevalence of diabetes among men. Additionally, men are less likely to engage in preventive health measures, leading to late diagnoses and complications
3. HIV/AIDS
While HIV/AIDS affects both genders, men are more likely to contract the virus and experience worse outcomes.
This is partly due to higher rates of unprotected sex and lower rates of HIV testing among men. Moreover, societal stigma and reluctance to seek medical advice further exacerbate the situation, leading to higher mortality rates .
Contributing factors to the gender mortality disparity
Biological differences:
Biological factors play a role in the gender differences observed in disease susceptibility and progression. For instance, women have higher levels of estrogen, which offers protective effects against heart disease.
Conversely, men have higher levels of testosterone, which is associated with increased risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
Lifestyle choices:
Men are more likely to engage in high-risk behaviours such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity. These lifestyle choices significantly increase the risk of developing chronic diseases and contribute to the higher mortality rates observed in men.
Healthcare engagement:
Studies indicate that men are less likely to seek medical advice, undergo regular health screenings, or adhere to prescribed treatments. This lack of proactive healthcare engagement leads to delayed diagnoses and poorer health outcomes.
Recommendations for improvement
1. Promoting regular health screenings
Encouraging men to undergo regular health check-ups can lead to early detection of conditions like hypertension and diabetes, allowing for timely intervention and management.
2. Encouraging healthy lifestyle choices
Public health campaigns should focus on promoting healthy eating, regular physical activity, and the cessation of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption among men.
3. Enhancing healthcare accessibility
Improving access to healthcare services and addressing the stigma associated with seeking medical advice can encourage more men to engage in preventive and therapeutic healthcare measures.
4. Gender-sensitive health policies
Developing and implementing health policies that consider the unique needs and behaviours of men can lead to more effective health interventions and reduced mortality rates.
Also read |
Everyday lifestyle factors that could be raising your blood sugar
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