Background to the Research

• Men in Ireland die, on average, nearly 6 years younger than women do, and have higher death rates at all ages, and for all leading causes of death. Evidence of sex differences in the incidence, symptoms, and prognosis of a wide range of health problems is also well documented. There has, however, been little evidence to date that these differences are reflected in the planning and delivery of healthcare, or in wider social and economic policies.
• There is growing evidence that in constructing, displaying and maintaining their male identity, men engage in risk behaviours that can be seriously hazardous to their health. Since sickness may be seen as an expression of weakness, many men may decide not to seek help, and instead to present a stoical, brave and unflinching front to the outside world.
• The purpose of this report is to begin to redress this deficit and to draw together the principal issues and concerns relating to men’s health on the island of Ireland.
  

Research Approach

• The report uses available statistics on mortality, life expectancy, morbidity and risk behaviour trends amongst Irish men, and where possible, makes comparisons with women and with other European countries. The report also remarks upon health seeking behaviour amongst men on the island of Ireland.
  

Main Findings

• Men die six years younger than women: Statistics confirm that in spite of increased male life expectancy, men on the island of Ireland continue to die, on average, six years younger than women do and have higher death rates at all ages, and for all leading causes of death.
• Poorer men have poorer health: Compared to men in the highest occupational class, men from the lower occupational classes have worse health in all years and for all the conditions which were analysed in this report.
• Men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women: Sex differences in mortality figures are particularly pronounced in the case of road traffic accidents and suicides.
• Men take more risks with their health: Compared to women, men have higher levels of health-damaging behaviours and risk-taking behaviours.
• Men need to take responsibility for their own health: Although research is limited in Ireland, it is well documented internationally that compared to women, men have limited contact with GPs, are reluctant users of primary care services, and often present late in the course of an illness.
• Being a man can be dangerous to your health: Although the social and economic roles of men and women are changing, traditional attitudes towards gender remain prevalent. Boys and young men continue to be socialised to appear in control, to be strong and to take risks; thus reinforcing their exposure to illness and accidental death.
• More research is needed into men's health: Men's health is under-researched, both clinically and in terms of health promotion.

Recommendations

• The establishment of a multi-sectoral advisory group on men's health.
• Increased research into men's health and the collation of existing data.
• The development of a specific policy on men's health.
• Training for health professionals and service providers working with males.
• A review of the resources allocated to this area of work.