Page 13 - IFV October Issue 2025
P. 13
Health
DIGITAL INTERVENTIONS FOR MEN
WHO HABITUALLY AVOID THE DOCTOR
A persistent challenge is to encourage South African men to seek medical
advice or attend regular health screenings. Despite increased access to health
information in today’s digital age, many South African men remain under-
engaged in managing their own health. Women fare better in this regard.
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U blood pressure) as an information online far less frequently differently for men and women – with
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example, studies show that
study involving over 950 patients found
driven, engaging content and men
men lag behind in hypertension than women. An extensive German women responding more to socially
awareness and treatment - often due that women are not only more inclined potentially benefiting more from
visit to socio-cultural norms, economic to search for health information online, structured virtual health services offered
pressures and limited healthcare
but also do so with stronger emotional
by general practitioners and clinics.
www.bobsure.co.za Helping pets live longer since 1892. access during working hours. Health and social motivations. Similar patterns of gender differences
experts and industry leaders are now The study also revealed that men and in online health-seeking behaviour have
calling for a shift in approach to better women differ in how they interact with been observed in studies from various
support men in managing their long- healthcare professionals online. Men, countries, indicating that this trend is
term health, starting with how to use for instance, showed more interest in consistent across different cultures and
digital resources effectively. developing virtual relationships with regions worldwide.
*Discounts and lifestyle benefits are exclusive to
our Comprehensive Plan and optional to our Smart their doctors, such as through online
Plan policyholders. Lifestyle benefits include a The digital divide in men’s health- consultations, booking appointments The potential of AI in men’s health
“vet in your pocket” via the TAME App and R1000
per year to spend on health checks, vaccinations, seeking behaviour digitally and receiving test results via Artificial Intelligence (AI) is
products or training. All prices include VAT. Pet Underwriting Managing Agency – An Authorised Financial Services Provider (FSP No. 44387)
Insurer: Renasa Insurance Company Ltd – Reg. No. 1998/000916/06– Authorised Non-Life Financial Services Provider (FSP No. 15491)
Terms and Conditions apply. Swift Underwriting Managers is a registered FSP (FSP No. 49285) While men are active internet users, email. These findings suggest that revolutionising healthcare by providing
The Villager • October 2025 • 11