Open AccessOlder men?s concerns about their urological health: a qualitative study
Author(s) -
Pinnock Carole,
O'Brien Bart,
Marshall Villis R.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.946
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1753-6405
pISSN - 1326-0200
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-842x.1998.tb01393.x
Subject(s) - medicine , prostate cancer , human sexuality , sexual function , prostate cancer screening , health promotion , focus group , gerontology , promotion (chess) , quality of life (healthcare) , public health , family medicine , cancer , nursing , prostate specific antigen , gender studies , marketing , sociology , business , politics , political science , law
While there has been widespread recent interest in mens health issues, and prostate cancer in particular, there have been tew studies to determine which issues are important from the viewpoint of men themselves. This study was undertaken to identify genitourinary issues of concern to older men. A series of 19 focus groups involved 137 men and 14 women from a broad demographic background. Men expressed consistent concern about urinary symptoms, prostate cancer and sexual function. They revealed misunderstanding and a desire for more information about all issues. Urinary symptoms had a high impact on quality of life that could be made worse by environmental constraints such as working conditions and availability of toilets. Prostate cancer was a concern in all groups, even those at low risk, and men believed that screening for prostate cancer should be offered. Men believed sexuality was not recognised as an issue of concern to older people. Potential barriers to health action included stoicism, not talking about health issues and poor relationships with doctors. The study suggests a substantial need for community and professional education and for health promotion focused on preventable morbidity.