Latest news with #KentBuse
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Study finds men more likely to fall sick, die from 3 common health conditions
New Delhi: Men in many countries are more likely to fall sick and die from hypertension , diabetes , and HIV/AIDS as compared to women, according to a new study. However, compared to women, men were found to be less likely to seek medical care and adhere to treatment for these common health conditions due to norms related to masculinity and healthcare financing. Men were also more likely to smoke, while women were more likely to be obese and engage in unsafe sex, the study, published in the journal PLOS Medicine , found. The research highlights sex-based differences at each step of the "health pathway", which includes being exposed to a risk factor -- such as smoking -- developing a condition, diagnosis, treatment and death, study authors said. "Most of these differences are not explained by sex (biology) alone, but by socially-constructed gender -- highlighting the importance of taking a gender justice approach to reducing health inequities. A gender analysis can help to shape systems of health for all," Kent Buse, co-founder of Global 50/50, a UK-based research initiative seeking to achieve gender equality in global health , said. The findings are in line with those from previous studies showing men using fewer preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services for conditions such as HIV and COVID-19, compared to women. The study found that men and women received different care for hypertension in 200 countries. Also in 39 countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ecuador and Ethiopia, men and women received different care for diabetes, and in 76 countries, including Australia, Chile, Italy and Lesotho, they received different care for HIV. Overall, the authors said strategies need to be developed for encouraging men to participate in preventive and health care services. "We have long advocated the benefits of publishing sex disaggregated data. As our Gendered Health Pathways demonstrates, such data can reveal where the health journeys of men and women diverge be it in relation to the risk factors they are exposed to, their health care seeking behaviours or their experiences in health care systems. That is an important first step towards health equity ," Buse said. "Males had significantly higher prevalence rates of conditions in 56 per cent of countries for HIV and AIDS, 30 per cent for diabetes, and four per cent for hypertension," the authors wrote. "Females, on the other hand, had significantly higher prevalence rates of conditions in 14 per cent of countries for HIV and AIDS, five per cent for diabetes, and only in India for hypertension," they wrote. Further, compared to women, death rates were found to be higher among men in 131 countries (64 per cent) for HIV/AIDS, 107 for hypertension (53 per cent) and 100 for diabetes (49 per cent). Death rates among women were higher, compared to men, in 25 countries for HIV/AIDS, nine for diabetes and only in the United Arab Emirates for hypertension, the study found. Women were also seen to have higher rates of diagnosis, treatment, and control. For the study, data on risk factors, disease prevalence, and death rates were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) dataset.
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Business Standard
04-05-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Study finds men more likely to fall sick, die from 3 common health issues
Men in many countries are more likely to fall sick and die from hypertension, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS as compared to women, according to a new study. However, compared to women, men were found to be less likely to seek medical care and adhere to treatment for these common health conditions due to norms related to masculinity and healthcare financing. Men were also more likely to smoke, while women were more likely to be obese and engage in unsafe sex, the study, published in the journal PLOS Medicine, found. The research highlights sex-based differences at each step of the "health pathway", which includes being exposed to a risk factor -- such as smoking -- developing a condition, diagnosis, treatment and death, study authors said. "Most of these differences are not explained by sex (biology) alone, but by socially-constructed gender -- highlighting the importance of taking a gender justice approach to reducing health inequities. A gender analysis can help to shape systems of health for all," Kent Buse, co-founder of Global 50/50, a UK-based research initiative seeking to achieve gender equality in global health, said. The findings are in line with those from previous studies showing men using fewer preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services for conditions such as HIV and COVID-19, compared to women. The study found that men and women received different care for hypertension in 200 countries. Also in 39 countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ecuador and Ethiopia, men and women received different care for diabetes, and in 76 countries, including Australia, Chile, Italy and Lesotho, they received different care for HIV. Overall, the authors said strategies need to be developed for encouraging men to participate in preventive and health care services. "We have long advocated the benefits of publishing sex disaggregated data. As our Gendered Health Pathways demonstrates, such data can reveal where the health journeys of men and women diverge be it in relation to the risk factors they are exposed to, their health care seeking behaviours or their experiences in health care systems. That is an important first step towards health equity," Buse said. "Males had significantly higher prevalence rates of conditions in 56 per cent of countries for HIV and AIDS, 30 per cent for diabetes, and four per cent for hypertension," the authors wrote. "Females, on the other hand, had significantly higher prevalence rates of conditions in 14 per cent of countries for HIV and AIDS, five per cent for diabetes, and only in India for hypertension," they wrote. Further, compared to women, death rates were found to be higher among men in 131 countries (64 per cent) for HIV/AIDS, 107 for hypertension (53 per cent) and 100 for diabetes (49 per cent). Death rates among women were higher, compared to men, in 25 countries for HIV/AIDS, nine for diabetes and only in the United Arab Emirates for hypertension, the study found. Women were also seen to have higher rates of diagnosis, treatment, and control. For the study, data on risk factors, disease prevalence, and death rates were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) dataset.
Mint
04-05-2025
- Health
- Mint
Men more likely to suffer and die from these 3 common illnesses, reveals study: Here are top findings
A new study revealed that men are more at risk of death from certain chronic medical conditions. The UK-based research found that the three most common illnesses affecting males are hypertension, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS. The research published in the journal PLOS Medicine found that men were more likely to be exposed to risk factor - such as smoking, while women were more likely to be obese and engage in unsafe sex. According to the research experts, the study underscores sex-based differences at each step of the "health pathway." The key observations of the report align the developments from previous studies that suggest that fewer men opt for preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services. Notably, women are more likely to get themselves screened, diagnosed and seek treatment in cases such as HIV and COVID-19. Norms related to masculinity and healthcare financing are reportedly roadblocks in men's path to seek medical care while women were more likely to be concerned about their health and to seek medical intervention. Co-founder of Global 50/50, Kent Buse said, 'Most of these differences are not explained by sex (biology) alone, but by socially-constructed gender -- highlighting the importance of taking a gender justice approach to reducing health inequities. A gender analysis can help to shape systems of health for all.' "Males had significantly higher prevalence rates of conditions in 56 per cent of countries for HIV and AIDS, 30 per cent for diabetes, and four per cent for hypertension," the study states. On medical diagnosis among women, the report said, "Females, on the other hand, had significantly higher prevalence rates of conditions in 14 per cent of countries for HIV and AIDS, five per cent for diabetes, and only in India for hypertension," they wrote. Altogether, death rates obtained from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) dataset revealed that mortality was higher among men in 131 countries (64 per cent) for HIV/AIDS, compared to women. For hypertension, death rate was higher among men in 107 countries (53 per cent) and for diabetes (49 per cent) it was on the higher end in 100 countries. First Published: 4 May 2025, 12:23 PM IST
Scottish Sun
01-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The 3 conditions that are more likely to kill MEN revealed – as experts issue stark warning
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MEN are more likely than women to get sick and die from three common conditions, warn researchers - and are also less likely to get help for them. There's been strong evidence in the past that sex and gender can substantially influence a person's health. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Researchers looked at risk factor, development of the condition, diagnosis, treatment and death in men and women for each of the conditions Credit: Getty Men have been found more likely to develop certain heart diseases, while women have a higher risk of osteoporosis. Studies have also suggested women are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and eating disorders, while men are more likely to struggle with substance abuse and suicide. A new study by Angela Chang of the University of Southern Denmark, and colleagues focused on three conditions - hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, and HIV and AIDS. The analysis identified significant differences between the sexes at each step in the 'health pathway". This included exposure to a risk factor, development of the condition, diagnosis, treatment and death. Looking at global health data for people of different sexes and ages for the three conditions, the researchers found men had higher rates of disease and higher rates of death compared to females, and in some countries, were less likely to seek out health care and adhere to treatment. In most countries, men were also more likely to smoke, while women were more like to be obese and engage in unsafe sex. Overall, the study suggests public health professionals need to develop strategies to encourage males to participate in preventive and health care services. Professors Kent Buse and Sarah Hawkes, co-founders and co-CEOs of Global 50/50 said: 'We have long advocated the benefits of publishing sex disaggregated data. "As our Gendered Health Pathways demonstrates, such data can reveal where the health journeys of men and women diverge be it in relation to the risk factors they are exposed to, their health care seeking behaviors or their experiences in health care systems. Diabetes symptoms and the signs of all types of diabetes "That is an important first step towards health equity. "Most of these differences are not explained by sex (biology) alone, but by socially-constructed gender – highlighting the importance of taking a gender justice approach to reducing health inequities. "A gender analysis can help to shape systems of health for all.' Angela Chang, senior author, added: 'The evidence is clear: sex differences persist at nearly every point along the health pathway, from higher smoking rates in men to higher obesity prevalence in women, yet interventions rarely reflect this. "Without sex-disaggregated cascade data, we're flying blind—unable to detect who is falling through the cracks in prevention, diagnosis, and care.' Hypertension 4 High blood pressure can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke Credit: Getty Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of your blood against your artery walls is consistently too high. This means the heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout your body. The condition can lead to serious health problems if not managed, including heart attack and stroke. Hypertension can be caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and underlying medical conditions. A family history of high blood pressure increases your risk of developing it, lifestyle choices such as following an unhealthy diet and smoking can contribute to increased blood pressure, and conditions like kidney disease can play a role in regulating blood pressure. The condition often has no noticeable symptoms, even when blood pressure is dangerously high. The most effective way to determine if you have high blood pressure is through a blood pressure test performed by a healthcare professional or by using a validated home blood pressure monitor. If you have hypertension, the following tips below could help you lower it... How to lower blood pressure Persistent high blood pressure (hypertension) puts extra strain on your blood vessels, heart and other organs and it can raise your risk of serious conditions like heart disease, heart attacks and stroke. Here's how to reduce it. Reduce salt Adults are recommended to limit their salt to 6g per day (around one level teaspoon) to avoid health consequences including high blood pressure. The top tip is to swap out table salt, according to the Salt Substitute and Stroke Study, replacing it with a reduced sodium and added potassium alternative. Cut down on alcohol Excessive boozing can narrow the blood vessels, which raises the risk of hypertension. Official drinking guidelines advise that people should not regularly drink more than 14 units a week to keep health risks from alcohol low. Get moving Exercise is good for the heart and the blood vessels. Although the guidelines recommend 150 minutes of activity per week, if you're currently very inactive, just a walk to the shop every day is better than nothing, and you can work up from there. Studies suggest that isometric exercises - when you hold the body in one position without moving, such as a wall squat or plank - are best for lowering blood pressure. Stop smoking Smoking cigarettes is a killer. It makes the arteries sticky and narrow, which can cause blockages. While smoking is not a direct cause of high blood pressure, it can cause an instant rise to pressure, heart rate and reduce the amount of oxygen that gets to the body's cells. Skip coffee Sadly, caffeine can cause a short, but dramatic increase in your blood pressure - even if you don't have high blood pressure. Therefore cutting back on coffee is recommended as a lifestyle tip for those with hypertension. Lose weight The above tips can help you to lose weight, which is beneficial because being overweight in itself is a risk factor for hypertension. Being overweight forces your heart to work harder to pump blood around your body, which can raise your blood pressure. The only way of knowing whether you have high blood pressure is to have a blood pressure test. All adults over 40 years old are advised to have their blood pressure checked at least every five years. Diabetes 4 High blood sugar levels can lead to serious health problems like heart disease and nerve damage Credit: Getty Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels. This occurs when the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or can't properly use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose, a type of sugar, enter cells for energy. When glucose stays in the bloodstream, it can lead to serious health problems over time, such as heart disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage. Diabetes symptoms can vary in severity and how quickly they appear, but some common signs include increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, and feeling very tired. Other potential symptoms include blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, and increased hunger. Type 2 diabetes, the most common form, is often linked to lifestyle factors like obesity and physical inactivity, as well as genetics and age. To lower your risk, follow the steps below... How to lower your risk of type 2 diabetes According to Diabetes UK, there are a few diet tweaks you can make to lower your risk of type 2 diabetes: Choose drinks without added sugar - skip out the sugar in your tea and coffee and stay away from fizzy and energy drinks Eat whole grains such as brown rice, wholewheat pasta, wholemeal flour, wholegrain bread and oats instead of refined carbs Cut down on red and processed meat like bacon, ham, sausages, pork, beef and lamb Eat plenty of fruit and veg - apples, grapes, berries, and green leafy veg such as spinach, kale, watercress, and rocket have been associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes Have unsweetened yoghurt and cheese Cut down on booze - and have a few days a week with none at all Have healthy snacks like unsweetened yoghurt, unsalted nuts, seeds and fruit and veg Eat healthy fats included in nuts, seeds, avocados and olive oil Cut down on salt Get your vitamins and minerals from food instead of tablets HIV/AIDS 4 Most cases of HIV in the UK are caused by having sex with a person who has HIV without using a condom Credit: Getty Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) occurs at the most advanced stage of infection In the UK, most cases of HIV are caused by having sex with a person who has HIV without using a condom. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including a weakened immune system, increased risk of infections and certain cancers, and neurological problems. Most people infected with HIV experience a short, flu-like illness that occurs two to six weeks after infection, says the NHS. After this, HIV may not cause any symptoms for several years. It's estimated up to 80 per cent of people who are infected with HIV experience this flu-like illness. The most common symptoms are a raised temperature (fever), sore throat, and body rash. Other symptoms can include tiredness, joint pain, muscle pain, and swollen glands. The symptoms usually last one to two weeks, but can be longer. They're a sign that your immune system is putting up a fight against the virus. But the NHS advises having these symptoms doesn't necessarily mean you have the HIV virus - they're commonly caused by conditions other than HIV. If you experience several of the symptoms and think you've been at risk of HIV infection, you should get a HIV test. Find out if you're at risk of HIV below... Are you at risk of HIV? HIV is a virus that damages the cells in your immune system and weakens your ability to fight everyday infections and disease. An estimated 106,890 people are living with the condition in the UK. In most cases, it spreads through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person. Most people will experience flu-like symptoms two to six weeks after being infected. This tends to include a sore throat, fever and a rash all over the body, which lasts one to two weeks. After this, HIV may not cause any symptoms at all, but the virus continues to damage your immune system. Some people go on to experience weight loss, night sweats, thrush in the mouth, an increase in herpes or cold sore outbreaks, swollen glands in the groin, neck or armpit, long-lasting diarrhoea, and tiredness. While there is no cure for HIV, there are very effective treatments that enable most people with the virus to live long and healthy lives. Medication now reduces the amount of the virus in the body to the point of being undetectable, meaning it cannot be transmitted. The only way to find out if you have HIV is to have a test. This involves giving a sample of your blood or saliva. The most effective ways to prevent or reduce the risk of infection include using a condom for sex, post-exposure prophylaxis, pre-exposure prophylaxis, treatment for HIV to reduce the viral load to be undetectable, and never sharing needles or other injecting equipment, including syringes, spoons or swabs. Source: NHS
The Sun
01-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The 3 conditions that are more likely to kill MEN revealed – as experts issue stark warning
MEN are more likely than women to get sick and die from three common conditions, warn researchers - and are also less likely to get help for them. There's been strong evidence in the past that sex and gender can substantially influence a person's health. Men have been found more likely to develop certain heart diseases, while women have a higher risk of osteoporosis. Studies have also suggested women are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and eating disorders, while men are more likely to struggle with substance abuse and suicide. A new study by Angela Chang of the University of Southern Denmark, and colleagues focused on three conditions - hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, and HIV and AIDS. The analysis identified significant differences between the sexes at each step in the 'health pathway". This included exposure to a risk factor, development of the condition, diagnosis, treatment and death. Looking at global health data for people of different sexes and ages for the three conditions, the researchers found men had higher rates of disease and higher rates of death compared to females, and in some countries, were less likely to seek out health care and adhere to treatment. In most countries, men were also more likely to smoke, while women were more like to be obese and engage in unsafe sex. Overall, the study suggests public health professionals need to develop strategies to encourage males to participate in preventive and health care services. Professors Kent Buse and Sarah Hawkes, co-founders and co-CEOs of Global 50/50 said: 'We have long advocated the benefits of publishing sex disaggregated data. "As our Gendered Health Pathways demonstrates, such data can reveal where the health journeys of men and women diverge be it in relation to the risk factors they are exposed to, their health care seeking behaviors or their experiences in health care systems. Diabetes symptoms and the signs of all types of diabetes "That is an important first step towards health equity. "Most of these differences are not explained by sex (biology) alone, but by socially-constructed gender – highlighting the importance of taking a gender justice approach to reducing health inequities. "A gender analysis can help to shape systems of health for all.' Angela Chang, senior author, added: 'The evidence is clear: sex differences persist at nearly every point along the health pathway, from higher smoking rates in men to higher obesity prevalence in women, yet interventions rarely reflect this. "Without sex-disaggregated cascade data, we're flying blind—unable to detect who is falling through the cracks in prevention, diagnosis, and care.' Hypertension 4 Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of your blood against your artery walls is consistently too high. This means the heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout your body. The condition can lead to serious health problems if not managed, including heart attack and stroke. Hypertension can be caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and underlying medical conditions. A family history of high blood pressure increases your risk of developing it, lifestyle choices such as following an unhealthy diet and smoking can contribute to increased blood pressure, and conditions like kidney disease can play a role in regulating blood pressure. The condition often has no noticeable symptoms, even when blood pressure is dangerously high. The most effective way to determine if you have high blood pressure is through a blood pressure test performed by a healthcare professional or by using a validated home blood pressure monitor. If you have hypertension, the following tips below could help you lower it... How to lower blood pressure Persistent high blood pressure (hypertension) puts extra strain on your blood vessels, heart and other organs and it can raise your risk of serious conditions like heart disease, heart attacks and stroke. Here's how to reduce it. Reduce salt Adults are recommended to limit their salt to 6g per day (around one level teaspoon) to avoid health consequences including high blood pressure. The top tip is to swap out table salt, according to the Salt Substitute and Stroke Study, replacing it with a reduced sodium and added potassium alternative. Cut down on alcohol Excessive boozing can narrow the blood vessels, which raises the risk of hypertension. Official drinking guidelines advise that people should not regularly drink more than 14 units a week to keep health risks from alcohol low. Get moving Exercise is good for the heart and the blood vessels. Although the guidelines recommend 150 minutes of activity per week, if you're currently very inactive, just a walk to the shop every day is better than nothing, and you can work up from there. Studies suggest that isometric exercises - when you hold the body in one position without moving, such as a wall squat or plank - are best for lowering blood pressure. Stop smoking Smoking cigarettes is a killer. It makes the arteries sticky and narrow, which can cause blockages. While smoking is not a direct cause of high blood pressure, it can cause an instant rise to pressure, heart rate and reduce the amount of oxygen that gets to the body's cells. Skip coffee Sadly, caffeine can cause a short, but dramatic increase in your blood pressure - even if you don't have high blood pressure. Therefore cutting back on coffee is recommended as a lifestyle tip for those with hypertension. Lose weight The above tips can help you to lose weight, which is beneficial because being overweight in itself is a risk factor for hypertension. Being overweight forces your heart to work harder to pump blood around your body, which can raise your blood pressure. The only way of knowing whether you have high blood pressure is to have a blood pressure test. All adults over 40 years old are advised to have their blood pressure checked at least every five years. Diabetes 4 Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels. This occurs when the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or can't properly use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose, a type of sugar, enter cells for energy. When glucose stays in the bloodstream, it can lead to serious health problems over time, such as heart disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage. Diabetes symptoms can vary in severity and how quickly they appear, but some common signs include increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, and feeling very tired. Other potential symptoms include blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, and increased hunger. Type 2 diabetes, the most common form, is often linked to lifestyle factors like obesity and physical inactivity, as well as genetics and age. How to lower your risk of type 2 diabetes According to Diabetes UK, there are a few diet tweaks you can make to lower your risk of type 2 diabetes: Choose drinks without added sugar - skip out the sugar in your tea and coffee and stay away from fizzy and energy drinks Eat whole grains such as brown rice, wholewheat pasta, wholemeal flour, wholegrain bread and oats instead of refined carbs Cut down on red and processed meat like bacon, ham, sausages, pork, beef and lamb Eat plenty of fruit and veg - apples, grapes, berries, and green leafy veg such as spinach, kale, watercress, and rocket have been associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes Have unsweetened yoghurt and cheese Cut down on booze - and have a few days a week with none at all Have healthy snacks like unsweetened yoghurt, unsalted nuts, seeds and fruit and veg Eat healthy fats included in nuts, seeds, avocados and olive oil Cut down on salt Get your vitamins and minerals from food instead of tablets HIV/AIDS 4 Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) occurs at the most advanced stage of infection In the UK, most cases of HIV are caused by having sex with a person who has HIV without using a condom. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including a weakened immune system, increased risk of infections and certain cancers, and neurological problems. Most people infected with HIV experience a short, flu -like illness that occurs two to six weeks after infection, says the NHS. After this, HIV may not cause any symptoms for several years. It's estimated up to 80 per cent of people who are infected with HIV experience this flu-like illness. The most common symptoms are a raised temperature (fever), sore throat, and body rash. Other symptoms can include tiredness, joint pain, muscle pain, and swollen glands. The symptoms usually last one to two weeks, but can be longer. They're a sign that your immune system is putting up a fight against the virus. But the NHS advises having these symptoms doesn't necessarily mean you have the HIV virus - they're commonly caused by conditions other than HIV. If you experience several of the symptoms and think you've been at risk of HIV infection, you should get a HIV test. Find out if you're at risk of HIV below... Are you at risk of HIV? HIV is a virus that damages the cells in your immune system and weakens your ability to fight everyday infections and disease. An estimated 106,890 people are living with the condition in the UK. In most cases, it spreads through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person. Most people will experience flu-like symptoms two to six weeks after being infected. This tends to include a sore throat, fever and a rash all over the body, which lasts one to two weeks. After this, HIV may not cause any symptoms at all, but the virus continues to damage your immune system. Some people go on to experience weight loss, night sweats, thrush in the mouth, an increase in herpes or cold sore outbreaks, swollen glands in the groin, neck or armpit, long-lasting diarrhoea, and tiredness. While there is no cure for HIV, there are very effective treatments that enable most people with the virus to live long and healthy lives. Medication now reduces the amount of the virus in the body to the point of being undetectable, meaning it cannot be transmitted. The only way to find out if you have HIV is to have a test. This involves giving a sample of your blood or saliva. The most effective ways to prevent or reduce the risk of infection include using a condom for sex, post-exposure prophylaxis, pre-exposure prophylaxis, treatment for HIV to reduce the viral load to be undetectable, and never sharing needles or other injecting equipment, including syringes, spoons or swabs. Source: NHS
