August 15, 2002
The health of our adult male population can be significantly improved, through creating awareness about men's lifestyles and behavioral patterns in their work and daily lives.
This remark was made by Consultant (Community Medicine) Dr Thomas Tsang of the Department of Health (DH), at a press conference on Men's Health Programme (MPH) today (August 15).
Dr Tsang observed that unhealthy lifestyle was a main contributing factor that made men's life expectancy at birth in Hong Kong six years shorter than that of women. And there is no sign that the gap was shrinking in the past 20 years.
"The death rates of men exceed that of women's for nearly all the major causes of death. For example, it is about 90% higher for all cancers, 50% higher for heart disease, and 40% higher for stroke".
The findings and other relevant statistics on men's health are detailed in the Men's Health Report No.1 recently compiled by DH.
The report has mapped out the health status of local adult men from a more encompassing perspective.
"Through collating data from numerous local studies and sources, we describe men's physical and mental health in the context of demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, health seeking and other determinants," Dr Tsang said.
He said the MHP, one of the first in the Region, is implemented with the purpose of improving the physical, mental and social health and well-being of local adult men.
The MHP adopts a health promotion approach in addressing men's health issues. The programme provides a one-stop information source on a comprehensive range of men's health issues to empower men in choosing a healthy way of living. It also includes a list of existing available health-related resources for men to facilitate them in seeking appropriate help.
The Department of Health also commissioned some focus groups studies on men to find out their health concerns, knowledge and behaviors.
"While most men rate their own health as moderate or good, there is considerable scope to improve their health awareness and behaviors", Dr Tsang said.
"Many men said they face a lot of stress but they tend to internalize it. Men also tend to be more passive in utilizing preventive health services".
Dr Tsang said men are more likely to smoke than female but are less likely to have a healthy diet that is low in fat and includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.
"It is also noted that 35 per cent of men reported not doing physical exercise and 38 per cent were considered as overweight or obese."
"Binge drinking is also more prevalent among men, with 16 per cent of men reported episodes of binge drinking during the past month in a survey."
He said that men's health issues vary throughout their life course in connection with their health belief, attitude, behaviour and experience. Therefore, a range of tailor-made strategies would be required to address such determinants of health.
"For example, the focus group studies found that men of different ages had different motivators for doing exercises."
"Only through effective health promotion, tailor-made for men from all walks of life, would it be possible to prevent significant numbers of deaths and disabilities among our male population."
To create public awareness about men's health, DH has set up a Men's Health Website ( http://www.chp.gov.hk/hkmenshealth ) which features a wealth of health information through self-explanatory and interactive activities. Another convenient way to access such information on the subject is DH's Education Hotline 2833 0111.
Meanwhile, a series of community-based men's health exhibitions will be carried out at various major shopping arcades and landmarks. In collaboration with other partners, the MHP will also organize outreach health promotion visits to men's workplace and distribute health education materials to men from different sectors.
In addition, three men's health corners with pamphlets, brochures and video tapes will be set up at DH's locations to facilitate public exploration on the issue. These corners are located at:
7/F, Southorn Centre, Wan Chai
G/F, Yung Fung Shee Memorial Centre, Kwun Tong
2/F, Lek Yuen Health Centre, Sha Tin.
Also, starting mid-August through September 2002, the MHP will embark on a media campaign to arouse public interest. The programme will also be featured at MTR stations.
Dr Tsang added that men's health has tremendous room for improvement by promoting healthier behaviour choices through education and positive social change.
"We certainly hope that this provides a starting point for health professionals and other related disciplines to come together to develop strategies for the betterment of men's health," he said.