Research finds women are more proactive than men in managing their health

(Posted November 14, 2003, Arthritis.Ca)

According to new research from ACNielsen Canada, women are more proactive in managing their health than men. Healthcare 2003, the 8th annual ACNielsen study of consumer health-related attitudes and behavior, found that women are more likely than men to visit a doctor, consult with a pharmacist, and take vitamins and/or minerals. Men, on the other hand, are more likely to "tough it out" when they experience medical symptoms.

As indicated in the chart below, men are less likely than women to visit a health care provider of any kind.


Which health care professionals have you visited or talked to in the past 12 months with regard to a health condition or ailment?

Asked about their typical initial reaction to the onset of a new medical condition, 57 percent of men said they would "tough it out" compared with 50 percent of women. Nine percent of women said they would read up on the symptoms; only five percent of men said they would do so.

According to Sharon Skurnac, director, Consumer Marketing Services, ACNielsen Canada, "Clearly, there are opportunities for health care product manufacturers and retailers to help men better manage their health. Marketers would be well advised to grow in their understanding of what's holding men back from being more proactive in managing their health, and address those issues in their marketing."

HealthCare 2003 is a survey-based research study conducted among members of the 12,100 Canadian households that are part of the ACNielsen Homescan consumer panel. This year's study was conducted in March and April 2003. ACNielsen Canada is based in Markham, Ontario, with regional offices in Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal.