Men's Health

Healthwatch Bucks undertook research on men's health to feed into the Government's men's health strategy.  They spoke to 655 men.

More men were concerned about their physical health than their mental health. Men said that good health to them means staying active, feeling good both physically and mentally, and enjoying a good quality of life. The top three responses when asked what men did to look after their mental or physical health were exercise, healthy eating and spending time with friends and family

There was some evidence of a difference in responses based on if they had a long-term health condition. A lower proportion of men with long-term health conditions mentioned that they kept themselves healthy via exercise, compared to those without a long-term health condition.  A lower proportion of men with long-term health conditions mentioned that they looked after themselves by eating healthily, compared to those without a long-term health condition. 

We found some evidence of a difference in responses based on age. A higher proportion of men under 56 said they did nothing to look after their health, compared to those aged 56 and over

35% of those answering the online health survey said they were concerned about their mental health now or in the past. Several men told us they use therapy, volunteering and hobbies to maintain their mental health. Several felt they had not been listened to by health professionals.  Several said that any short term mental health support, they had received, was insufficient.

While most men sought medical help when they needed it, 35% of those answering the Just Five Questions survey said they never seek medical help or only do so when it's absolutely necessary.  Men looked for health advice and information not only from their doctors and loved ones but also from the internet, social media, health apps, and even Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. The top four areas which interested the online survey respondents the most were prostate cancer, weight, heart disease and exercise.

While 30% of survey respondents said nothing would prevent them from getting help for a health problem, the most common reasons which would stop the rest (70%) were: 

• They couldn’t get an appointment/what they needed because they couldn’t get through on the phone or all appointments have gone when they do. Others said they couldn’t get one at a time to fit around work or caring commitments. This, and waiting times for referrals, put some men off seeking medical help.
• They wouldn't think to go or don't make the time to go. Some men would ignore symptoms which, if treated, might have prevented a bigger health problem e.g. a heart attack. Many didn’t believe they were ill enough to seek help or did not make health a priority.
• They were embarrassed or put off going as they don't like talking about medical matters.
• They don’t know what services are on offer. This was particularly an issue for those who told us they lived alone or away from family. Some are afraid of what the health professional might say if they go to seek help.
• A few felt they were not listened to, couldn’t get to where the health service was being offered due to transport or caring responsibilities or didn’t trust the NHS.
• A few men told us digitalised services might be a barrier to them seeking help for a medical issue. This was because of an accessibility issue, the limitations of the NHS App or the patient’s lack of knowledge or confidence in using technology

78% of online survey respondents, who had used local health and care services in the last year, were satisfied or very satisfied with these. Most of the comments from those who were dissatisfied (60) related to being unable to get a GP appointment, long waiting lists and referrals which were often postponed.

Over 61% of survey respondents said they had been invited to an NHS health check or screening (bowel, abdominal aortic aneurysm or diabetic eye). Of those who said they had not been invited, over 44% were over 45 years of age. There was strong evidence of a difference when it came to being invited for an NHS health check or screening based on: 

• Ethnicity – a higher proportion of respondents from a White British background said they had been invited, compared to those from other backgrounds.
• Home address – a higher proportion of respondents from an Opportunity Bucks ward, said they had not been invited, compared to those living in other Buckinghamshire wards.

There was very strong evidence of difference based on long-term conditions. A higher proportion of respondents with a long-term health condition said they had been invited, compared to those without a long-term health condition. 

A few men didn’t attend NHS health checks or screening when invited. They told us this was because they didn’t think it was important, forgot or had issues with the time of the appointment. 

Most people found NHS health checks and / or screening they undertook helpful or very helpful. Negative feedback often related to not getting enough information before or after the check or not knowing how to use any information to change their personal circumstances. 

84% online survey respondents had checked their blood pressure in the last year. Most online respondents said the easiest location for them to get an NHS Health Check was their GP surgery.

Men's suggestions for change included:

• Better access to GP services including more appointments at weekends, evenings and drop in clinics. For many this included an increase in digital access for patients e.g. make appointment bookings online. Men also wanted professionals to share data across NHS systems. However, technology was an issue for many over 76 years of age.
• More men’s support groups where men can share their concerns and / or undertake physical exercise. More health checks, especially regarding prostate cancer. Not everyone knew who to ask, or when, to get a PSA test.
• More education and information about men’s health, including mental health, provided where men spent time e.g. men’s groups, sport locations, online. Increasing knowledge around prostate cancer and mental health were mentioned particularly amongst those identifying ethically as not from a White British ethnic background.
• Ensure health professionals take time to listen to men’s concerns.
• More localised services and a reduction in waiting lists at secondary care level