Professor highlights men’s reluctance to seek medical care

As many countries around the world observe Men's Health Week, there is a renewed focus on the health concerns impacting men and their willingness to seek medical care.

Professor Wendel Abel, head of community health and psychiatry in the Faculty of Medical Sciences at The University of the West Indies, sheds light on why men often avoid medical consultations and the dire consequences of this behaviour.

"Women generally have better health-seeking behaviours," Abel explained. "They make regular appointments, cooperate with medical treatment, and follow through with their prescribed regimens. Men, on the other hand, are less likely to engage in such behaviours."

Men's Health Week, which runs from June 10 to 16, aims to encourage men and boys to prioritise their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. June is recognised as men's heath month.

Abel reasoned that health-seeking behaviour among men is deeply rooted in societal norm. "Men are socialised to be strong, to believe that negative things won't happen to them. It's this notion of invincibility that often prevents them from seeking the care they need," he said.

However, the consequences of avoiding medical care can be severe. Abel said that conditions like prostate cancer, which is prevalent among Jamaican men, often go undiagnosed until they reach an advanced stage.

"Despite widespread public awareness, many men don't go for prostate cancer screenings. Even when diagnosed, they may not treat it seriously, unlike women who are more proactive with conditions like breast cancer," Abel said

Mental health is another critical area where men fall behind. "Depression, the most common mental health issue, sees more women coming forward for treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment are possible because women seek help. Men, however, either don't come forward or don't cooperate with treatment if they do," Able said.