Australian men might live longer and healthier lives if they
change a few lifestyle factors and occasionally see a GP, according
to a world-first major study of male health problems seen in
general practice.
Almost 1 in 4 males haven't seen a doctor in 12 months (compared
with 1 in 10 females). However, when men do see their GP the
pattern of health problems is different across age groups.
Young men aged between 18-24 years are least likely to go to a
doctor, but are more likely to smoke daily and drink alcohol at
risk levels.
One in ten problems managed in middle aged men was work-related,
and only some of these were covered by worker's compensation.
Men aged 65 years and over see their doctor most frequently,
with chronic diseases among the most commonly managed. There is a
drop off in rates of smoking and risky alcohol consumption among
older men, although they are more likely to be overweight or
obese.
Male Consultations in General Practice in Australia 1999-00,
released today by the University of Sydney and the Australian
Institute of Health and Welfare, details more than 44,000 GP
encounters with male patients from a sample of over 1000
doctors.
It provides the first national picture of why men see a GP, the
problems managed in general practice and treatment provided.
According to report co-author, Clare Bayram, males are more
likely to have physical problems managed-such as those related to
the respiratory, musculoskeletal, circulatory and digestive
systems-than women.
'Across the lifespan you can see the progression of conditions
that male patients consider important enough to make them see a
GP,' Ms Bayram said.
'One in three 18-24-year-olds smoke daily and almost half of
those who drink alcohol do so at risky levels. Yet when these young
men see their GP, it is usually for injuries and acute conditions
such as colds, not giving the GP much opportunity for health
assessment and education.'
'Chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and lipid
disorders start to appear in the middle-ages, so it's not really
surprising that men in this age group start to see their GP more
often, and continue to do so in their later years.'
'GPs today are the gatekeepers in our health care system and are
in a good position to contribute to the health of Australia's
males. Men, particularly the younger adults, should be encouraged
to take a more holistic approach to their health and to use the
available GP services better.'
19 February 2003
Further information: Clare Bayram, tel. (02)
9845 8153 or 0412 971 061 (mobile)
A/Professor Helena Britt, tel. (02) 9845 8150 or 0411 197 938
(mobile)
For media copies of the report: Publications
Officer, AIHW,
tel. 02 6244 1032 OR Media Office, University of Sydney, 02 9351
2261
Availability: Check the AIHW Publications
Catalogue for details.