Males vs females

Question 1

Biological?

Answer 1

• Males are apple shaped and tend to store more fat around their abdomen leading to higher risk of cvd
• Higher overall rates of hypertension (however after 65-74 years, females are more likely to experience it)
• Higher rates of osteoporosis in females over the age of 60, due to estrogen loss.
• Males have higher rates of testosterone (risk taking behaviour)

Question 2

Behavioural?

Answer 2

• Males consume higher quantities of smokes and alcohol at a time than females.
• Males are more likely to eat unhealthy diets (less fruit and vegetables, more sat fat, and greater amounts of (processed) foods)
• Males are less likely to visit doctors – due to “she’ll be right” or “macho” attitude
• Males are less likely to take notice of health promotion messages
• Males are more likely to take risks

Question 3

Social?

Answer 3

• Men are more likely to be influenced by effects of unemployment
o Gender role of being the breadwinner of the family – may feel inadequate and stressed if unemployed.
o Higher rates of obesity, cvd and suicide for unemployed males than females
• Males are likely to have a higher SES, especially in single parent families – full time males earn higher incomes per week on average than full time females
• Gender roles
o Males are less likely to care for children, hence may have more opportunities for social contact than women (who may bottle up feelings)
o Males more likely to work labour jobs and play contact sports
o The way the media represents beauty might cause higher rates of eating disorders in females than males.

Question 4

Physical environment?

Answer 4

• Males are more likely to work outside (construction, farming) and be exposed to UV rays.
• Males are more likely to work in transport (and hence spend more time on roads), increasing risk of road trauma incidents
• Males are more likely to work in manual positions, more likely accidents and exposure to hazardous substances

Question 5

Health status outcomes?

Answer 5

• Males are more likely to work outside (construction, farming) and be exposed to UV rays.
• Males are more likely to work in transport (and hence spend more time on roads), increasing risk of road trauma incidents
• Males are more likely to work in manual positions, more likely accidents and exposure to hazardous substances