Growing awareness in Movember to change the face of Men’s Health
Movember is more than just sporting face fuzz in November: it’s about ‘changing the face of Men’s Health’. Since 2003, the movement of five million moustaches has transformed men’s health research and treatment, with the charity sweeping in seismic awareness around key male health issues – testicular cancer, prostate cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. SciAni is donning our digital tash to bring you Movember-inspired animations bristling with the latest research.
HIV increases men’s prostate and testicular cancer risk
For men, HIV infection has been linked to an increased risk of mortality and worst outcomes for prostate cancer. It’s also a risk factor in males for developing testicular cancer. It’s why encouraging men to test for HIV is so important. Men living with HIV who are aware of their condition are better able to protect their own and others’ reproductive and physical health, and healthcare providers need to offer regular prostate and testicular screening to combat the increased risk of prostate and testicular cancer. We explore one approach to motivating men to test for HIV using peer-delivered messages in South Africa in the animation below.
Motivating men to test for HIV: A successful nudge using U=U messaging
In South Africa, men are less likely than women to know their HIV status or take antiretroviral treatment and often experience higher mortality. This new study led by the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation and the University of Pennsylvania found that peer-delivered messaging about HIV being transmissible if undetectable when on treatment (U=U) increases men’s HIV testing uptake.
Mental health and suicide prevention
Almost 75% of deaths by suicides are men – a rate that is three times higher than for women. Men are also more likely to experience difficulty in talking about distressing feelings or sharing with others that they are struggling with their mental health. Almost one in eight men is experiencing a ‘common’ mental health problem like anxiety or depression. However, many men also live with serious mental health conditions, like schizophrenia or bipolar, which increase the odds that they will attempt or die by suicide. If people living with serious mental health illnesses get the right help and support, their outcomes and prognosis are drastically improved. Watch our animation to find out how the NHS in the UK is helping patients with serious mental health conditions to live longer, healthier, better lives.
Primary care quality for people with serious mental illness
Severe mental ill health, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, can have a devastating impact on individuals and their families. If people with severe mental ill health receive high-quality primary care from their doctors, they may live longer and be in better health. Watch this animation to learn about a UK study that found that patients who received a care plan, an annual physical review and continuity of care, had fewer unplanned hospital admissions, A&E attendances, and lower healthcare costs to the NHS. If you or anyone you love is struggling with a mental health emergency and unable to keep yourself safe, call 999 in the UK/988 in the US or go to your local A&E for immediate medical help and support. You can find a full list of international suicide hotlines here.