A recent study has revealed that men who exhibit more traditional male behaviors are less likely to report receiving diagnoses or treatment for heart disease risk factors.
Cardiovascular disease continues to be a leading cause of illness and death in both the U.S. and globally. Medical professionals and researchers focus on this issue because it is often more preventable and manageable compared to many other health problems.
However, effective management and prevention depend on early identification and addressing risk factors such as high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels. Sadly, many people in the U.S. are not adequately screening for these risks: Experts suggest that as many as 75% of young adults with such risk factors remain unaware of their conditions.
A study from the University of Chicago found that boys and men who align their behaviors closely with traditional male gender roles are less likely to seek out diagnoses or treatments for heart disease risk factors. This research adds to existing studies indicating that societal pressures to conform to male gender roles can lead to unhealthy behaviors, including substance abuse and resistance to medical advice.
“It is widely recognized that being male often corresponds with lower likelihood of seeking help for various health issues, particularly in mental health and primary care. However, previous studies have not delved into the social dynamics that shape male identity in relation to their environment,” explained Nathaniel Glasser, MD, a general internist and pediatrician at UChicago Medicine and the lead author of this research. “In this study, we employed innovative methods to investigate how male identity is constructed and its connection to preventing cardiovascular diseases.”
Glasser and his team examined data from Add Health, a nationally representative and longitudinal study that tracked health measurements and survey responses from over 12,300 individuals over a span of 24 years (1994-2018). They assessed male gender expression by identifying specific survey questions that revealed the most significant differences in responses between self-identified males and females. They then evaluated how closely the answers from male participants aligned with those of their male peers.
“When discussing gender expression, our focus is not on any biological aspects influenced by the Y chromosome,” Glasser clarified. “We concentrate exclusively on self-reported behaviors, preferences, and viewpoints, and how these reflect those of same-gendered peers.”
The researchers targeted cardiovascular health by comparing biological measurements from Add Health with health-related survey results to determine whether men with identifiable risk factors, like high blood pressure, could recall being diagnosed or treated for those issues. They found that men who displayed more traditional masculine behavior were notably less likely to have been informed by healthcare providers about specific cardiovascular disease risk factors. Even if these men reported having previously received a diagnosis, they were still less prone to indicate that they were on medication for these conditions.
The study examined risk factors that are typically identified through routine primary care screenings. It remains unclear whether the lower rates of diagnosis and treatment among those with heightened male gender expression stem from men avoiding screenings, ignoring their diagnoses when they do undergo screening, or minimizing their reported conditions. Regardless of the root cause, this research highlights a significant opportunity for preventing or managing severe heart disease later in life.
“We believe that social pressures contribute to behavioral differences that hinder efforts to mitigate cardiovascular risks, which is troubling since it may result in poorer long-term health outcomes,” Glasser noted.
In the end, the authors suggest that the implications of their findings extend beyond the conversation about traditional masculinity.
“This study illustrates how the pressures to present one’s identity—whether due to gender, race, sexual orientation, or other factors—affect health-related behaviors,” Glasser remarked. “Achieving a sense of belonging and fitting in is a complex challenge, and we strongly believe that increased societal understanding, empathy, and support for those navigating this complexity would positively impact overall health.”
