1. Counteracting the Lack of Healthcare-Seeking Patterns in Males. A growing body of research in the United States suggest that men are less likely than women to seek help from health professionals for problems as diverse as depression, substance abuse, physical disabilities and stressful life events. Three fundamental elements of promoting healthcare seeking in men are; Addressing internalized gender notions of masculinity and masculine identity. Debasing social-constructions that hinder healthcare-seeking patterns amongst men. The advocacy of healthcare-professionals for the development and /or enhancement of healthcare seeking-behaviors in men.
7. Advocate! Continue to raise awareness that needed primary health care is not being sought by males and especially minorities, resulting in detrimental effects on their health. Continue to use media to alert the general public to this health disparity as NPs and nursing organizations have found prior successes through these outlets. i.e. march of dimes effects against polio and for prenatal care.(public service announcements, radio commercials, billboards. Solicit service of well respected community leaders i.e. pastors, local celebrities, radio personalities. Advise clients of recommended screenings when they receive routine physical exams. Leave such screening info. assessable in E.R. where most males ,especially minorities, may restrict the parameters of their hospital visits to. Provide to females that maintain healthy primary care visits, literature that they can provide to males in their lives. Female loved ones are largest influence on enhancing male health-seeking behaviors, they are merited as trustworthy. Bring healthcare to the community i.e., health clubs, barbershops, Young Men’s Christian Association(YMCA), churches and partaking in community health-fairs. Patient Advocacy has Always been an essential Duty of Health-Care Affiliates!