Page 36 - Kyalami Issue 3 2025

Kyalami Estates Corporate Brand Bible Design 26
3.0 Folder (Inner)
HEALTH

DIGITAL

INTERVENTIONS

FOR MEN WHO HABITUALLY AVOID THE DOCTOR

INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY MEROPA COMMUNICATIONS ON BEHALF OF PHARMA DYNAMICS

sing hypertension (high blood women differ in how they interact with information and recommendations. AI-
pressure) as an example, studies healthcare professionals online. Men, powered chatbots and virtual assistants can
show that men lag behind in for instance, showed more interest in offer immediate responses to health queries,
Uhypertension awareness and developing virtual relationships with helping men make informed decisions about
treatment - often due to socio-cultural their doctors, such as through online their health. These tools can guide users on
norms, economic pressures and limited consultations, booking appointments when to seek professional medical advice,
healthcare access during working hours. digitally and receiving test results via email. interpret symptoms and even schedule
Health experts and industry leaders are These findings suggest that digital health appointments.
now calling for a shift in approach to better tools should be tailored differently for men
support men in managing their long-term and women – with women responding more Nicole Jennings, spokesperson for Pharma
health, starting with how to use digital to socially driven, engaging content and men Dynamics, emphasises the importance of
resources effectively. potentially benefiting more from structured leveraging digital tools for health. “Men often
virtual health services offered by general delay seeking medical advice due to various
THE DIGITAL DIVIDE IN MEN’S practitioners and clinics. reasons, including societal expectations and
HEALTH-SEEKING BEHAVIOUR time constraints. Embracing digital health
While men are active internet users, they Similar patterns of gender differences in tools can bridge this gap, offering accessible
tend to search for health-related information online health-seeking behaviour have been and immediate health information that
online far less frequently than women. observed in studies from various countries, encourages proactive health management.”
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY ANTHONY CAVANAGH
An extensive German study involving over indicating that this trend is consistent across
950 patients found that women are not different cultures and regions worldwide. THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR
only more inclined to search for health HEALTH SCREENINGS
information online, but also do so with THE POTENTIAL OF AI IN MEN’S Regular health screenings are vital for
stronger emotional and social motivations. HEALTH early detection and prevention of diseases.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising Jennings says men between 45 and
The study also revealed that men and healthcare by providing personalised health 50 should undergo physical exams and

34 Kyalami Estates • CONNECT • Issue 3 • 2025