Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of illness and death in the United States and worldwide. Health professionals focus intensely on it because, unlike several other medical conditions, cardiovascular risks are highly modifiable and preventable. However, effective prevention hinges on early detection and management of risk factors such as hypertension and high cholesterol. Despite this, these risk factors often go unaddressed among many young adults in the U.S. It is estimated that as many as 75% of young adults with conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol remain unaware of their diagnosis.
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Chicago sheds light on an underexplored barrier to cardiovascular risk mitigation. The study suggests that boys and men who align their behavior with stereotypical masculine norms are less likely to report receiving diagnoses or treatment for cardiovascular risk factors. These findings build on earlier research showing that social pressures around performing traditional male roles can drive unhealthy behaviors, including substance use and avoidance of medical care.
The researchers utilized data from Add Health, a large, nationally representative longitudinal study tracking the health and social behaviors of more than 12,300 participants over 24 years (1994–2018). To assess male gender expression, a set of survey responses that differed most between self-identified male and female participants was analyzed. The extent to which men’s responses aligned with the typical answers of their male peers was used to gauge how closely their behavior reflected stereotypical masculinity.
It's well known that male gender and male sex are associated with lower help-seeking for a range of health conditions -; especially mental health and primary care. But previous studies haven't probed further into the social processes through which male gender is iteratively created through an interplay between the individual and their surroundings. In this new paper, we used innovative measurement techniques to look at the construction of male gender and how it's associated with cardiovascular disease prevention. We are not measuring anything physiological related to the Y chromosome. This is purely about self-reported preferences, beliefs, and behaviors, and how closely these behaviors align with same-gender peers.
Nathaniel Glasser, MD
The researchers cross-referenced biological health data with survey responses, focusing specifically on cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure. Their findings revealed that men with higher adherence to traditional male behaviors were significantly less likely to report receiving a diagnosis for these conditions. Even when diagnoses were reported, these men were less likely to report taking prescribed medications to manage their condition.
The risk factors examined, such as hypertension, are typically identified through routine health screenings. The study raised questions about whether men with higher gender conformity are not attending screenings, ignoring their diagnoses, or underreporting them. Regardless of the reason, the study emphasizes the missed opportunities for intervention, potentially leading to more severe cardiovascular issues in the future.
“Our hypothesis is that social pressures create behavioral patterns that negatively impact efforts to mitigate cardiovascular risks,” Glasser said. “This is troubling because it suggests that these pressures may contribute to worse long-term health outcomes.”
The study’s implications extend beyond masculinity and cardiovascular health, touching on how social pressures surrounding identity—whether based on gender, race, or sexuality—affect health behaviors. Glasser emphasized the importance of fostering societal empathy and understanding for individuals managing these pressures. “Striving for belonging is complex. A culture of empathy and patience would benefit everyone’s health,” he added.
References:
1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39453653/
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