Three out of Four Men Ignore Medical Issues Rather Than Seek Help: Survey

Men’s Health Week to encourage greater connection and participation in local experiences for our male community. (Austin Distel/Unsplash)

Men are reluctant to seek help when it comes to health problems, according to a new survey of 2,000 men.

The survey, conducted by the Australian online health platform Mosh, found that over 75 percent of respondents dismiss medical issues instead of discussing with their general practitioners (GP). Meanwhile, nearly half of all men admit they have kept a health issue from their family and GP.

The survey also found that the majority of men (72 percent) have been embarrassed by a health condition, especially issues like hair loss and mental health. Most men reported not having a regular GP, with 37 percent picking whichever doctor is available.

Up to 43 percent half of men are embarrassed to talk face-to-face with a GP, while only 23 percent of guys feel more comfortable opening up to a GP online.

Convenience Most Important Factor in Health Care

The survey showed that 75 percent of guys find convenience the biggest barrier to going to the doctor. More than half of respondents saw wait times and the lack of hours appointments as a key issue with seeing the GP, while another quarter found it hard to find a good GP to work with.

General practitioner Linda Heard who works at Mosh, said some men purposefully booked appointments to discuss smaller issues while avoiding bigger concerns due to a variety of factors, such as social or cultural taboos.

“It’s concerning but not surprising nearly half of all men surveyed admit they kept a health issue a secret from everyone, including their family and doctor,” Heard said.

Concerns about seeking help also extend to mental health and substance abuse, with the Alcohol and Drug Foundation using Men’s Health Week to encourage men to have tough conversations with themselves and their mates.

The foundation suggests men concerned about their own consumption to set sustainable goals for cutting down through simple measures like writing out the pros and cons of reducing intake, trying zero-alcohol beverages and reaching out for support. 

It emphasises the importance of remaining available to a friend even if they have a negative reaction or are uninterested in the conversation.

A previously released Monash University study found maintaining friendship groups and social networks was a significant factor in reducing and managing depression in men. 

AAP contributed to this report. 

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