3) Men's Health

Question 1

Identify some Men’s Health Trends

Answer 1

• UK: 1 in 5 men die before 65
• Mortality rate higher for men than women
• In 2015, the age-standardised mortality rates (ASMRs) in England and Wales for males and females were 1,156.4 and 863.8 deaths per 100,000 population respectively
• Life expectancy at birth in the UK in 2018 to 2020 was 79.0 years for males and 82.9 years for females

Question 2

What is the leading cause of deaths in men across all age groups?

Answer 2

1) Ischaemic heart disease
2) Malignant neoplasm of trachea, bronchus and lung
3) dementia and Alzheimers (2011 onwards)
4) Cerebrovascular diseases

Question 3

List 4 risk factors for men’s mental health

Answer 3

• Societal exceptions of masculinity (M less likely to seek help for emotional/psychological problems du to fear of appearing weak or unmanly)
• Stress: more likely experience work stress, financial problems, relationship problems
• Substance abuse: more likely to engage which an increases risk of developing mental health disorder or exacerbate existing symptoms
• Trauma: M more likely to experience trauma like physical or sexual abuse and are less likely to seek help

Question 4

List 4 more risk factor for mens mental health

Answer 4

• Relationship breakdowns: marriage breakdown more likely to lead men to suicide
• Lack of social support: M have fewer social connection and less likely to have support network of friends and family
• Socio-economic factors: unemployed people are 2-3X more likely to suicide (increased levels during economic recession)
• Mid-life: experience more unhappiness than younger an older people

Question 5

What are common symptoms for depression in men?

Answer 5

Physical sy proms more common in M (headaches, sob etc.)
- Anger and agitation
- Recklessness
- Substance abuse
- Working obsessively
- Core symptoms of depression

Question 6

Some causes of depression in men

Answer 6

• Difficult life events
• Family or personal history
• Abuse
• Personality traits
• Physical health issues

Question 7

What are common symptoms of anxiety in men?

Answer 7

• Alcohol abuse
• Drug abuse
• Difficulty sleeping
• Core anxiety symptoms

Question 8

Causes of anxiety in men

Answer 8

• Genes
• Traumatic experience
• High stress
• Health problems
• Lifestyle factors

Question 9

How can we improve mental health in men?

Answer 9

• Raising Awareness
• Addressing societal expectation of masculinity
• Improving access to mental health services
• Promoting healthy coping mechanisms (exercising, meditation, hobbies)
• Developing targeted interventions
• Understanding (M present with symptoms different to women)

Question 10

CVS disease in men

Answer 10

• Leading cause of death in worldwide
• M develop at a younger age and have higher risk of CHD
• Higher mortality from CHD and stroke
• Modifiable RF and non-modifiable RF