Corona virus and men's health: letter to editor

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused many problems in societies and has caused changes in people's lives [1]. Getting out of the normal routine of life will not be without psychological, social and economic effects [2]. Preliminary studies show that the disease of Covid-19 has harmed men more than women. The mortality rate of men infected with Covid-19 is about 60 to 80% higher than that of women [3]. One of the factors in the incidence and severity of Covid-19 complications in men is occupational and biological factors (Estrogen stimulates the immune system) that make men more vulnerable. Men are more exposed to environmental and occupational risk factors than women, and they have more bad habits such as smoking, alcohol, addiction, and occupational stress. Men are more likely to contract Covid-19 due to their employment outside the home and less self-care. Also, men are genetically more exposed to all kinds of diseases than women, and compared to them, they have more mortality and a shorter lifespan [4]. Therefore, implementing a healthy lifestyle and taking timely care is helpful. Women have more general health than men [5] and use more medical services [6]. Most of the jobs at risk are male. Therefore, men are more affected and have more severe symptoms. Compliance with the principles of personal protection in the workplace based on the relevant protocols is very important in this group. Men's health is an issue that strengthens and improves the health of the society's workforce and the development of the country. Studies show that men's life expectancy is lower than women's [7]. The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of societies, and men were no exception. But due to the job problems they faced during this period, such as job loss and income reduction, it affected most of the heads of the family and caused more emotional damage to men [8]. Economic problems have affected a large part of society. Therefore, it is necessary to develop stress coping skills to deal with these tensions. Meanwhile, men are more prone to suffering from mental problems due to less visits to counseling centers. Also, studies showed that covid-19 affects the health of the testicles, sperm production and male hormones and causes a decrease in male fertility [9]. The male reproductive system is the target of vulnerability of this virus and increases the possibility that it facilitates the sexual transmission of this virus and transmits the infection [10]. However, a number of studies also do not support sexual transmission. Therefore, this disease threatens men's sexual health and fertility and has a negative effect on population growth. In general, it can be said that one of the most important challenges is the false belief that men are superior and stronger than women, and as a result, they neglect to focus on their health. Due to numerous social and physiological differences, men are usually reluctant to receive health care services. For this reason, fewer men go to health and treatment centers and are not willing to undergo tests, or less than women observe the basic hygiene principles of prevention, such as washing hands frequently, using masks and gloves. Another risk factor is smoking, which is consumed more by men than women in all societies. A history of smoking causes much more severe and deadly symptoms when contracting the Covid-19 disease, and these people will be severely affected by the virus. In addition, men are exposed to environmental factors more than women, which causes them to be exposed to a variety of injuries. While the reason for men being in high-risk environments and their greater presence in society is the importance of their attention and participation for vaccination. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on men, causing them to suffer long-term disabilities and limiting their future economic status. Policymakers and senior managers of the health system should put men at the center of reforms and pay attention to their needs and expectations. It seems necessary to use measures such as providing remote health advice, visiting patients' residences for health control and self-care education. Empowering men increases the health and well-being of the whole family and society. Educational processes must respond to men's unique needs for safety, health, and well-being.