Health status and health-seeking behaviour of Jamaican men fifty-five years and over

Objective: The Caribbean including Jamaica is undergoing rapid population ageing with implications for health service planning and delivery. Such planning should take into account gender differentials. This study describes and analyses the health status and health-seeking behaviour of men 55 years and over in Jamaica. Method: A quantitative cross-sectional survey employing cluster sampling techniques was utilized to recruit2000men ,55yearsandolder,intheparishofStCatherine,Jamaica. A126-itemquestionnaire was administered and standard instruments utilized to assess functional status. Results: Respondents (74%) rated their health status as excellent/good. Few men were highly dependent with regard to Activities of Daily Living with incontinence being a major concern. Medication management and shopping were the major Instrumental Activities of Daily Living domains where assistance was needed. Depression was associated with non-involvement in community/social organizations and not being in physical contact with their children. Majorhealthconditionsreportedwerecancers(16%),kidney/bladderconditions(12.7%),hypertension (9.2%) diabetes (6.5%) and prostate problems (7.3%). Most men (67.6%) had not visited a health providerintheyearpriortothesurvey;17.1%hadbeenhospitalizedafterage55years. Only35%of men ever had a prostate check/examination and 8.2% of men eligible for drug benefits under the Jamaica Drugs for the Elderly Programme registered for that programme . Conclusion: Thereisneedtofocusonoldermen’shealthandensurethatprimarypreventionandearly interventionsreachmiddle-agedandoldermenwhileimprovinghealthliteracy. Takingprogrammesto ‘where men are’, is suggested ‐ the bars, race track and sports events. Gender and age-specific research should reduce gender disparities in health among older persons in Jamaica.