Men's health

Disparity in health exists with regard to gender. The disparity that exists in males occurs throughout their life span. Men's life expectancy in the United States is approximately 6 years less than that of women. Males are also more likely to die of homicide or suicide, and male infants are more likely to die in their first year of life. Men's health is affected by a lack of awareness, poor health education, a lack of male gender–specific health care services with appropriate access to care, and a lack of men's health research. Men's health is frequently cited as reaching a crisis state and is currently considered a silent health crisis. Nurses are in an excellent position to promote the health of men through basic and advanced practice roles.

This issue of the Nursing Clinics of North America attempts to present the broad spectrum of men's health issues impacting men in the United States. We introduce perspectives related to men's health movements with a definition of men's health that is expected to evolve during this century. In addition, a men's health nurse practitioner role is proposed.

Thomas provides a broad overview of men's psychosocial issues, including anger, hostility, depression, grieving, and substance abuse and discusses effective management for these problems. Another psychologic phenomenon, male battering of intimate partners, is reviewed by Willis and Porche from a theoretical and clinical intervention perspective.

From a systematic perspective, Kaufman and Cheek examine cardiac and pulmonary diseases affecting men with a focus on coronary heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, tuberculosis, and asthma. The unique characteristics of the male genitalia and reproductive system present unique health and health care issues exclusive to men. Bustamante-Forest and Giarratano review the emerging role of men in reproductive health care. Wren addresses specific penile and testicular conditions such as circumcision, phimosis, peyronies disease, orchitis, epididymitis, and testicular torsion. Oncologic conditions affecting the male reproductive organs, including cancers of the prostate, penis, and testicles, is addressed by Stotts. Phillips and colleauges conclude the presentation of the male reproductive system through a thorough review of the symptoms, causative agents, and treatments of the most common sexually transmitted diseases affecting men.

Leonard presents a unique summary of health conditions that are typically associated with women's health, including breast cancer, osteoporosis, menopause, and eating disorders.

Occupational environments are a risk factor that impacts men's health. Miller reviews three occupational health conditions impacting men: carpal tunnel syndrome, noise-induced hearing loss, and work-related hernias.

Men's sexual orientation and sexual behaviors pose unique risks for men. Ferri reviews health issues that are specific to men who engage in sex with other men.

Topp and colleauges conclude the issue with an examination of later life conditions and propose a model of successful aging that promotes functional ability in later life. This model focuses on musculoskeletal and cardiovascular function and their impact on advanced aging.

This issue does not attempt to be comprehensive in nature or scope; rather, it attempts to focus on a broad spectrum of topics that are currently impacting the health status of men. It is expected that nurses will use this information to engage in the men's health movement, improve their practice, and develop programs of research focusing on men's health issues.