Survey to gauge men’s attitude to health

MEN are being asked why they don’t like going to the doctor, if they’ve ever had unprotected sex and to consider how they could be cutting their lives short by smoking, drinking and taking other risks.

The Health Promotion Unit of the South East Health Board (SEHB) is carrying out a survey of men in the region after findings show the life expectancy gap between men and women is growing from one year 60 years ago to five years or more now.

Statistics show that men die on average nearly six years younger than women, have higher death rates at all ages and for all main causes of death.

The SEHB is anxious to help men live longer, healthier lives and buck the national trend.

The research will help the board develop a health promotion programme targeting men and will enable the provision of better services for them.

Men's health research officer Noel Richardson said men don't like going to the doctor for a number of reasons.

Mr Richardson said some don't like taking the time off work. Issues such as waiting times in surgeries, how long it takes to get an appointment, whether men prefer going to male or female doctors and how they view the out-of-hours service will all be examined.

The questionnaire has been drawn up in co-operation with the Irish College of General Practitioners and has been circulated to GPs and other health professionals.

The questionnaire comprises two parts. The first section deals with how men view the service provided by the doctors at their local general practice and the perceived obstacles which prevent them from attending the doctor.

The second section deals with men's awareness of health issues, the care they take with their health, and the factors that influence their overall wellbeing.

This postal questionnaire is being sent out to a random sample of men, through a number of GP practices in the south east. Those selected for the study should receive the questionnaire within the next two weeks.

Mr Richardson said the survey was confidential.

"This is a great opportunity for men to have their say on their own health.

"As a way of acknowledging and respecting the goodwill of those men who return completed questionnaires, these names will be entered in a limited draw for two Premiership match tickets and flights, a weekend break for two to a top hotel and two All-Ireland hurling final tickets for 2003."