Health Status of Black Men and the Impact on Their Black Women and Children

Health Status of Black Men and the Impact on Their Black Women and Children Men as a group are less likely to utilize the health care system than women, a factor that accounts in part for their lower average life expectancy. American men are less likely to carry health insurance; they are less likely to have seen a physician within the previous year; they are more likely to delay seeking healthcare than American women. Health care utilization rates appear less likely among Black and Latino men. The health status of American men usually is not thought of in a broad aspect. However, health problems affecting men may have a profound impact on women and children with regard to health and disease, economic status, quality of life, and family stability. Men's health issues may affect women and children directly and/or indirectly through reduction or loss of income, medical expenses, and disruption of family relationships. Specific birth defects in children, seem to link back to paternal health issues, including military and occupational chemical exposures. The likely association between men not utilizing any health care services and the cultural / attitudinal factors, as well as the likely association between male health and the health status of women and children, warrant increased attention by health care professionals.  Men may have more stoic attitudes towards pain and fear by virtue of gender role training and work role training. In addition, female-targeted medical specialties such as OB/GYN and women's health may help to habituate women towards regular contact with physicians early in life. The lack of comparable male-targeted specialties and health care programs may hinder men's ability to actively participate in the health care system. These cultural and attitudinal factors may lead to poorer health outcomes by reducing adaptive responses to pain, injury and fear. For example, avoidance of painful / dangerous circumstances or seeking health care when ill.  Addressing the health of males as an issue affecting the broader community could potentially lead to improved health outcomes for the nation as a whole. Studies that measure gender-associated stoic attitudes towards pain, responsiveness to fear, and ability to identify with participation in the health care system are warranted. Appropriate measures of association could then delineate the relationship between these variables and health care utilization rates / health outcomes. Click HERE for more helpful, healthful information.

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