June is National Men’s Health Month, and it is the perfect time to discuss healthcare awareness, prevention, education, and support for men’s health issues. During this time, healthcare professionals can support patients by recognizing the behavioral, social, and occupational influences that impact men’s health, and work to improve patient care overall.
Healthcare professionals can start by looking at the reality of men’s healthcare in this country. For example, men are more likely to suffer from certain chronic conditions and workplace injuries or illnesses than women. Additionally, they are also less likely to seek out preventive or mental healthcare.
ANA’s Recognition of Men’s Health
The American Nurses Association’s recognition of Men’s Health Nursing as a formal specialty marks an important step toward addressing long-standing gaps in care for boys and men. By adopting a dedicated scope and standards of practice, nursing is creating a clearer framework for men’s health.
The move also reinforces the urgency of improving outcomes for men, who continue to face higher rates of premature mortality, suicide, occupational injury, substance use, and delayed preventive care. As healthcare organizations look for more equitable ways to support patients across the lifespan, this milestone highlights why understanding and addressing disparities in men’s healthcare is both a clinical priority and a community health imperative.
Top Causes of Disparities in Men’s Health
Disparities in men’s healthcare have real and negative consequences. Men, for example, die an average of five years sooner than women, on average. That’s often because of their likelihood of developing serious underlying diseases — men are at higher risk for diseases such as HIV, lung cancer, and heart disease. They may also be less likely to seek mental health care. Finally, they also have their own unique health problems, such as prostate cancer and a higher risk of workplace injuries, illnesses, and death.
Cultural Expectations
One of the reasons healthcare disparities might exist for men could be the influence of cultural expectations. Many men grow up with the messages that tell them to “tough it out” or avoid asking for help about things that bother them, which can mean minor health issues turn into larger ones before they seek medical care.
The Stigma Against Mental Healthcare
Another reason for the disparities in care for men is the ongoing stigma against men’s mental healthcare. Mental health care is vital — holding in anxiety, depression, or concerns is not a sign of weakness, nor does it define masculinity.
According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA), nearly 1 in 10 men have anxiety or depression, yet fewer than half go on to receive the treatment they need for their health. Unfortunately, that also means that men’s suicide rates are higher than women’s, and they’re four times more likely to commit suicide.
Failing To Seek Preventive Care
Men may also seek preventative care less often than women. This could include:
- Skipping annual physicals (44% of men in the U.S. don’t get a yearly physical)
- Failing to get their bloodwork or routine screenings done
- Not maintaining a primary care provider (PCP)
As a result, men could be less likely to identify early signs of illness. Remember, preventive care is one of the best ways to identify potential issues and predict long-term health outcomes.
Workplace and Occupational Risks
Workplace and occupational risks indeed play a large role in men’s health — men account for over 90% of all fatal occupational injuries, based on a report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2023.
The most common reasons for workplace injuries included:
- Overexertion, repetitive motion, and bodily conditions
- Contact incidents
- Falls, slips, and trips
- Exposure to harmful substances/environments
- Transportation incidents
- Violent acts
Closing the Gap: How Healthcare Providers Can Support Care
Healthcare providers can help men overcome these disparities in care by creating an environment where patients by increasing education and access to care while also encouraging men to seek help.
For example, providers can encourage men to seek out care through:
- Workplace screenings
- Preventative visits (including via telehealth)
- Flexible scheduling options
- Better education about chronic diseases and how to prevent them
- The creation of judgment-free environments, where patients can openly discuss all their concerns
Providers also need to challenge stereotypes, recognizing that not all men are the same and that all patients deserve equal treatment tailored to their backgrounds, personal concerns, and healthcare needs.
SHC Supports Equality in Healthcare
Supplemental Health Care supports care for patients and healthcare professionals, which is why we feel it is so important to draw attention to Men’s Health Month and the way that the healthcare community can change to improve care for this patient population.
Addressing men’s health disparities requires education, awareness, proactive care strategies, and a real focus on making a difference. Whether you’re a nurse or other healthcare professional, providers can make a difference in the long-term health of this patient population.
Check out our blog to learn more about healthcare disparities, including understanding disparities in women’s healthcare and other patient populations.
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