Stats show that 40% of men don't have a regular GP. They also die 5 to 6 years younger than women globally and this is true even in a South African perspective, says the writer.
IN JUNE we focus our attention to men’s health matters. Men tend to suffer longer with their ailments and present late for medical attention. This means that some serious conditions may go undiagnosed and eventually lead to serious health problems later on.
Stats show that 40% of men don't have a regular GP. They also die 5 to 6 years younger than women globally and this is true even in a South African perspective. Let's look at some important health conditions affecting men and how screening and prevention can make a difference.
Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression in men is at an all time high and although women report more symptoms of anxiety and depression, men have worse outcomes. SA stats show that 80% of all suicides are men. Drivers for these include economic hardships, poverty and hunger and men are less likely to present for help due to stigma and societal perceptions.
South Africa has high rates of transmission of HIV and other STI’s and men are found to go on treatment with antiretrovirals (ARVs) much later than women. This usually puts them at high risk of other opportunistic conditions like TB and pneumonia.
