Men are different

Men are different from women not only biologically but in their behaviour. Men are considered to be tough, independent and strong. This cultural view is reflected in the way they treat their health. They generally treat their bodies like machines - driving fast, smoking and drinking in excess, being promiscuous and involved in violence.

Men take risks with health

The statistics confirm that men take greater risks with their health than women. They are more likely to smoke and drink, resulting in disproportionately more deaths from lung cancer and alcoholic dependency. Sixty-four per cent of victims of motor vehicle accidents, arriving at accident and emergency departments, are males.

Men also die five times more frequently from suicides than women. Victims and perpetrators of homicides are predominantly male. Men are also more likely to contract HIV/AIDS due to multiple sexual partners. This is true except in the 10 to 19 age group where females predominate.

Young men are at greatest risk

Young men, in particular, are more likely to suffer injuries because of risk-taking behaviour combined with lack of experience, alcohol and other drugs. The risk-taking behaviour of young men is determined by what their friends think or do (peer pressure); their attraction to speed and danger; their need to explore their limits and the belief that they are immortal.

Men use services differently

Men also use health services differently. Health statistics show that since 1997, half as many men visited health centres when compared to women. Men consider themselves too busy or express a fear of being examined. They are less likely to turn up for appointments or even to have annual health checks. Instead, men tend to wait until they are severely ill before seeking health care. Men notoriously resist seeking help for emotional problems and consider mental health issues a waste of time.

Men can reduce their risk

How can men reduce their risk-taking behaviour?

The root causes of much of the risk-taking lie in the lack of educational resources and employment, which reduces men's potential to live in a way that will result in better health. Men must be taught new skills and attitudes to reduce behaviour that endangers their health.

Mature, responsible men and women can mentor male youth by words and exemplary action. This is facilitated through sports, homework programmes and other after-school activities. Proper parenting, improved schooling, to motivate boys, and involvement in church, can help to promote more thoughtful behaviour. Efforts must be made to address the fundamental problems, in the social environment, which link unemployment, drug abuse, crime, and violence with ill-health.

What can health providers do?

Health practitioners will guide us through the maze of the health system to obtain the best care. Health providers are resources of health information as well as agents to help us manage our health behaviour.

Young men, in particular, will be encouraged to wear cycle helmets and seat belts. Health personnel will use routine visits to counsel on safe driving speeds, proper alcohol use and the rejection of illicit drugs. They are willing to discuss men's emotional and physical concerns.

The risks men take in their lifestyles, and the risky social environment, need to be addressed if men's health is to be improved.

Dr Pauline Williams-Green is a family physician and president of the Caribbean College of Family Physicians; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.