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Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of illness and mortality in both the U.S. and globally. Despite its preventability and manageability, early detection and treatment of risk factors like hypertension and high cholesterol are alarmingly suboptimal. Experts estimate that up to 75% of young adults with these risk factors are unaware of their conditions, leading to missed opportunities for intervention and long-term health management.
A recent study from researchers at the University of Chicago sheds light on the impact of gender norms on health-seeking behaviors in men. The study reveals that those who adhere closely to traditional masculine stereotypes are significantly less likely to seek diagnoses or treatment for cardiovascular disease risk factors, underscoring a troubling intersection between social pressures and health behavior.
Dr. Nathaniel Glasser, a general internist and pediatrician at UChicago Medicine and the study’s lead author, emphasizes that the reluctance of men to seek medical help is well-documented, especially for mental health and primary care issues. However, this study delves deeper into how social dynamics shape male identity and its correlation with cardiovascular health outcomes.
Utilizing data from Add Health, a longitudinal study involving over 12,300 participants, the researchers examined the relationship between male gender expressivity and the awareness and treatment of cardiovascular risks. They found that men exhibiting more stereotypical masculine traits were less likely to report ever being informed by a healthcare professional about their cardiovascular risk factors. Even among those diagnosed, adherence to prescribed treatment was markedly lower.
The study highlights that the risk factors analyzed—such as high blood pressure—are typically identified during routine primary care screenings. It remains unclear whether the lower rates of diagnosis and treatment stem from men avoiding screenings, neglecting their health information, or downplaying their conditions. Regardless, these findings point to a critical gap in preventative health measures for men.
“Our hypothesis is that social pressures lead to behavioral differences that impact cardiovascular risk mitigation efforts, which is concerning because it could be leading to worse long-term health outcomes,” Glasser warns.
The implications of this research extend beyond traditional masculinity. It suggests that the pressures to conform to various identities, whether related to gender, race, or sexuality, significantly influence health behaviors. The authors argue for greater societal empathy and understanding towards individuals navigating these complex dynamics, as such support could lead to improved health outcomes.
As we confront the ongoing challenges of cardiovascular disease, addressing the societal factors that inhibit health-seeking behavior among men is essential. Recognizing and dismantling these gender norms could pave the way for more effective health interventions and ultimately save lives.
Reference: Glasser, N. J., Jameson, J. C., Huang, E. S., Kronish, I. M., Lindau, S. T., Peek, M. E., Tung, E. L., & Pollack, H. A. (2024). Male Gender Expressivity and Diagnosis and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease Risks in Men. JAMA Network Open. DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.41281
