It is generally accepted that men access health services differently from women, yet this is not always factored into the design of NHS Services. The theme for NMHW 2009, Access to Services, reflects the important role of policymakers and practitioners in developing and delivering services that men will use. The Gender Equality Duty has now been in place for 2 years and public agencies including the NHS have developed Gender Equality Schemes which is a major step forward in ensuring that gender is taken into account in the design and implementation of policy and services. It is important that we improve men’s awareness of the range of health and related services available and how to use them effectively. It is also important to note that men in Scotland are not one homogenous group, and as such will have differing needs in addition to those solely attributable to gender.
Statistics clearly show that men are less likely to consult with their GP but there has been very little research into why men access primary care services less than women. Some of the barriers previously identified are:
- Opening times, location, awareness
- Reluctance to take time off work
- The “ostrich approach” - dealing with issues only when they become to problematic to ignore
- Cultural and social pressures – perceptions that men should be self sufficient
- Lack of interest – an overall lack of engagement with health issues
- Availability of male specific services
A good example of men's health work
The Camelon Project’s (full and summary report) recent evaluation report stated that “providing the service at a convenient time (in the evening out with normal working hours) has been cited as a major reason for attendance”. The service was more accessible to working men – 67% of men who attended were in employment.
Peer support
Men who attended the weight management programmes at the Camelon Project often volunteered to support other men and provided direct input to sessions within the programme. The Prostate Cancer Charity also use this approach which is proving successful.
Mental well-being
In 2007, the suicide rate for males was around three times that for females and is a leading cause of mortality in those under the age of 35. It is as major concern that males are less likely than females to consult their GP about depression. Females estimated to consult for depression annually were more than double the estimates for men.
Depression - estimated number of patients in Scotland consulting a GP or practice nurse at least once in the financial year 2007/08 per 1,000 patients registered by gender and age group
Graph (ISD Scotland)
Useful links
Statistical information
Patient contact rates with GPs and practice-employed nurses in Scotland
Patient contact rates with GPs an practice-employed nurses in Scotland by specific conditions
A good example of men’s health work
Good practice model: The Camelon Clinic, full and summary report
Reports
Access to primary care services in Scotland (September 2001)
Enhancing Sexual Wellbeing in Scotland: a sexual health relationship strategy – supporting access to clinical services and reaching those in need of services
The gender and access to health services study (Men’s Health Forum England and Wales)
- This report looks at the reasons why gender remains such an important determinant of health status and considers the ways in which gender inequalities can be tackled within the present legislative and policy framework. It also brings together knowledge and evidence in relation to six specific areas of health concern: cardiovascular disease, overweight and obesity, mental health, alcohol misuse, cancer and sexual health.
Report of research to explore motivators and barriers to engagement with Health Checks (NHS Health Scotland, Keep Well Project)
Research articles
Identifying work as a barrier to men’s access to chronic illness (arthritis) self-management programs |
