Page 32 - Cornwall Issue 5 2025

HEALTH

DIGITAL

INTERVENTIONS

FOR MEN WHO HABITUALLY AVOID THE DOCTOR

INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY MEROPA COMMUNICATIONS ON BEHALF OF PHARMA DYNAMICS

sing hypertension (high blood stronger emotional and social motivations. different cultures and regions worldwide.
pressure) as an example, studies
show that men lag behind in The study also revealed that men and THE POTENTIAL OF AI IN MEN’S
Uhypertension awareness and women differ in how they interact with HEALTH
treatment - often due to socio-cultural healthcare professionals online. Men, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising
norms, economic pressures and limited for instance, showed more interest in healthcare by providing personalised health
healthcare access during working hours. developing virtual relationships with information and recommendations. AI-
Health experts and industry leaders are their doctors, such as through online powered chatbots and virtual assistants can
now calling for a shift in approach to better consultations, booking appointments offer immediate responses to health queries,
support men in managing their long-term digitally and receiving test results via email. helping men make informed decisions about
health, starting with how to use digital These findings suggest that digital health their health. These tools can guide users on
resources effectively. tools should be tailored differently for men when to seek professional medical advice,
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY ANTHONY CAVANAGH
interpret symptoms and even schedule
and women – with women responding more
THE DIGITAL DIVIDE IN MEN’S to socially driven, engaging content and men appointments.
HEALTH-SEEKING BEHAVIOUR potentially benefiting more from structured
While men are active internet users, they virtual health services offered by general Nicole Jennings, spokesperson for Pharma
tend to search for health-related information practitioners and clinics. Dynamics, emphasises the importance of
online far less frequently than women. leveraging digital tools for health. “Men often
An extensive German study involving over Similar patterns of gender differences in delay seeking medical advice due to various
950 patients found that women are not online health-seeking behaviour have been reasons, including societal expectations and
only more inclined to search for health observed in studies from various countries, time constraints. Embracing digital health
information online, but also do so with indicating that this trend is consistent across tools can bridge this gap, offering accessible

30 Cornwall View • Issue 5 2025