ABSTRACT
Defining men’s health has not proved entirely straightforward for researchers, practitioners and advocates working in this field. In the 25 years or so that men’s health has been identified and discussed as a discrete health issue, many definitions have been suggested. One definition asserts that a male health issue is one that fulfils either of the following conditions: it arises from physiological, psychological, social, cultural or environmental factors that have a specific impact on boys or men; and/or it necessitates male-specific actions to achieve improvements in health or well-being at either individual or population level.
This holistic definition is helpful in many ways. It suggests that any consideration of men’s health should include the health of boys, mental as well as physical health, and both clinical and social issues, including (at least by implication) the role of male gender norms. It also highlights that improvements in male health may require more than uniform population-wide interventions; put simply, what works for women may not work for men.
This chapter explores further:
The scale of the problem of men’s health and reasoning for why men’s health needs to be a key focus in primary care.
The impact of health inequalities and men’s health in areas of deprivation.
Practical suggestions for improving men’s health and learning from case studies.
