Younger men are less likely to seek professional help for their health

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2025-05-28 16:11

Australia; NSW; VIC

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Younger men are less likely than older men to seek professional help for physical or mental health problems, according to Australian researchers who say this is true even after accounting for the additional health problems older men face. The team surveyed 1282 Australian men about how they managed their health and the barriers that prevent them seeking a professional. They say men aged 18-29 were the least likely to go to a professional for help, with younger cohorts often seeking help from online sources or their own networks. Cost and logistics deterred younger men more often, as well as less tangible barriers including stigma around mental health and a fear of compromising their independence by asking for help.

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Research PLOS, Web page

Journal/
conference: PLOS One

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: The University of Sydney, Monash University, Deakin University

Funder: The authors wish to gratefully acknowledge the funding support for RP from the Men of Malvern. Healthy Male, the organisation which conducted this national survey, is funded by the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care.

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