Men’s health: experts’ view to the problem

Scientific research remains focused on the problem of male population health, especially in a difficult demographic situation. However, there is still no unified expert opinion on the definition of «men’s health». Many specialists often narrow its interpretation to diseases of the genitourinary system and associated reproductive health disorders. However, the higher mortality of men and the difference in the life expectancy of men and women, due to, among other things, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, injuries, and several other diseases, suggest the need for improving the performance of the health care system with men throughout their lives. Objective. To study the expert opinion of healthcare professionals on the problem and the term «men’s health». Materials and methods. An online survey of healthcare managers and clinicians (291 subjects) was conducted using a specially developed questionnaire consisting of 27 questions and characterizing various aspects of «men’s health». Statistical analysis of the data obtained included the calculation of the mean value of indicators (M), standard deviation (SD), confidence interval (95% CI), and Mann—Whitney U-test to identify differences between the study groups with a level of statistical significance p≤0.05. Results. 84.5% of experts consider «men’s health» a complex concept. Among the leading causes of health problems, respondents reported diseases of the reproductive system (91.2%), diseases of the endocrine system (56.0%), and cardiovascular diseases (55.0%). Experts named a urologist/urologist-andrologist the main specialist who should deal with the male population’s health in all age groups (62.5, 57.0, and 42.6%). A lack of knowledge in specialists about foreign (22.7%) and Russian preventive programs aimed at maintaining men’s health (24.1%) was found. It was noted that female experts are more informed on many issues in this area (p=0.01). Conclusion. The study showed a lack of knowledge among health organizers and specialists on men’s health and preventive measures. The polarity of experts’ opinions was noted not only in general but also in terms of gender. Female experts are mostly better informed, especially on existing regional programs to preserve men’s health.