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A comprehensive recent study by Trommelen et al. demonstrated that muscle tissue exhibits a greater capacity to incorporate exogenous exogenous protein-derived amino acids into bound muscle protein than was previously appreciated, at least when measured in "anabolically sensitive," recreationally active (but not resistance-trained), young men following resistance exercise. Moreover, this study demonstrated that the duration of the postprandial period is modulated by the dose of ingested protein contained within a meal, that is, the postexercise muscle protein synthesis response to protein ingestion was more prolonged in 100PRO than 25PRO. Both observations represent important scientific advances in the field of protein metabolism. However, we respectfully caution that the practical implications of these findings may have been misinterpreted, at least in terms of dismissing the concept of protein meal distribution as an important factor in optimizing muscle tissue anabolism and/or metabolic health. Moreover, based on emerging evidence, this idea that the anabolic response to protein ingestion has no upper limit does not appear to translate to resistance-trained young women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundHIV testing rates among South African men lag behind rates for women and national targets. Community-based HIV self-screening (HIVSS) distribution and follow-up by community health workers (CHWs) is a scalable option to increase testing coverage, diagnosis, and treatment initiation. We provided HIVSS and assisted linkage to care to men not recently tested (within the past 12 months) residing in high-HIV-burden areas of Johannesburg.MethodsCHWs distributed HIVSS in 6 clinic catchment areas. Follow-up to encourage confirmatory testing and antiretroviral therapy initiation was conducted through personal support (PS) or an automated short message service (SMS) follow-up and linkage system in 3 clinic areas each. Using a quasi-experimental pre-post design, we compared differences in the proportion of men testing in the clinic catchment areas during the HIVSS campaign (June-August 2019) to the 3 months prior (March-May 2019) and compared treatment initiations by assisted linkage strategy.ResultsAmong 4793 participants accepting HIVSS, 62% had never tested. Among 3993 participants with follow-up data, 90.6% reported using their HIVSS kit. Testing coverage among men increased by 156%, from under 4% when only clinic-based HIV testing services were available to 9.5% when HIVSS and HIV testing services were available (z = -11.6; P < 0.01). Reported test use was higher for men followed through PS (99% vs. 68% in SMS); however, significantly more men reported reactive self-test results in the SMS group compared with PS (6.4% vs. 2.0%), resulting in more antiretroviral therapy initiations in the SMS group compared with PS (23 vs. 9; P < 0.01).ConclusionsCHW HIVSS distribution significantly increases testing among men. While PS enabled personalized follow-up, reporting differences indicate SMS is more acceptable and better aligned with expectations of privacy associated with HIVSS.

IntroductionThere is little HIV counselling that directly meets the needs of men in Eastern and Southern Africa, limiting men's knowledge about the benefits of HIV treatment and how to overcome barriers to engagement, contributing to poorer HIV-related outcomes than women. Male-specific approaches are needed to improve men's outcomes but may be difficult for healthcare workers (HCWs) to implement with fidelity and quality in low-resource settings. We developed a male-specific counselling curriculum which was implemented by male HCWs and then conducted a mixed-methods quality assessment.MethodsWe audio-recorded counselling sessions to assess the quality of implementation (n = 50) by male HCWs from two cadres (nurse, n = 10 and lay cadre, n = 10) and conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) with HCWs at 6 and 9 months after rollout to understand barriers and facilitators to implementation. Counselling sessions and FGDs were translated, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis adapted from WHO Quality Counselling Guidelines. We assessed if sessions were respectful, informative, interactive, motivating and included tailored action plans for overcoming barriers to care. All data were collected September 2021-June 2022.ResultsAll sessions used respectful, non-judgemental language. Sessions were highly interactive with most HCWs frequently asking open-ended questions (n = 46, 92%) and often incorporating motivational explanations of how antiretroviral therapy contributes to life goals (n = 42, 84%). Few sessions included individually tailored action plans for clients to overcome barriers to care (n = 9, 18%). New counselling themes were well covered; however, occasionally themes of self-compassion and safe sex were not covered during sessions (n = 16 and n = 11). HCWs believed that having male HCWs conduct counselling, ongoing professional development and keeping detailed counselling notes facilitated quality implementation. Perceived barriers included curriculum length and client hesitancy to participate in action plan development. Findings were similar across cadres.ConclusionsImplementing high-quality male-specific counselling using male nurses and/or lay cadre is feasible. Efforts to utilize lay cadres should be prioritized, particularly in low-resource settings. Programmes should provide comprehensive job aids to support HCWs. Ongoing training and professional development are needed to (1) improve HCWs' skills in tailored action plans, and (2) sensitize HCWs to the need for self-compassion within male clients to promote holistic sexual health.

Context: Soft tissue mobilization is frequently employed for delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) management. Foam roller and percussive massage are 2 popular soft tissue mobilization methods preferred by various professionals. However, their effects on DOMS symptoms are controversial and there are no studies comparing these 2 methods. The aim of the present study was to compare the acute effects of soft tissue mobilization with a foam roller or a percussive massage device on DOMS in young male recreational athletes. Design: A parallel, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty-six participants (median [interquartile range 25/75]; age: 20.0 [19.3/21.0] y) were randomly allocated to percussive massage group (n = 12), foam roller group (n = 12), and control group (n = 12). First, a fatigue protocol targeting quadriceps femoris was performed. Then, participants received soft tissue mobilization with foam roller/percussive massage or rested for 10 minutes according to their groups. Pain and fatigue were evaluated by a visual analog scale, and the skin surface temperature of over the quadriceps femoris was measured with thermal camera imaging. Evaluations were performed at baseline, following fatigue protocol, at 24th hour, and at 48th hour. Changes from the baseline at 24th and 48th hours were compared between groups. Results: No significant between-group differences were observed at the assessments performed at 24th or 48th hour regarding the changes from baseline in pain (P value for 24th hour = .905, P value for 48th hour = .733), fatigue (P value for 24th hour = .895, P value for 48th hour = .606), or skin surface temperature measurements (P values for 24th hour = between .300 and .925, P values for 48th hour = between .311 and .750). Conclusions: Soft tissue mobilizations applied with foam roller or percussive massage device do not seem to be superior to passive resting in alleviating DOMS symptoms in recreational athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Refeeding syndrome is the gravest possible medical complication in malnourished patients undergoing refeeding in the hospital. We previously reported that males with malnutrition secondary to eating disorders required more calories and had longer hospital stays than females; however, sex differences in electrolyte abnormalities indicating refeeding syndrome risk remain unknown. The objective of this study was to assess differences in electrolyte abnormalities indicating refeeding syndrome risk among male and female adolescents and young adults with eating disorders hospitalized for medical instability. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of 558 patients aged 9-25 years admitted to the University of California, San Francisco Eating Disorders Program for medical instability between May 2012 and August 2020. Serum was drawn per standard of care between 5 and 7 am each morning and electrolyte abnormalities indicating refeeding syndrome risk were defined as: hypophosphatemia (

BACKGROUND: In the United States, Latinos face a wide array of cultural and structural barriers to accessing and utilizing mental health care. Latino men specifically are at high risk of receiving inadequate mental health care, possibly due to additional obstacles they experience that are related to masculinity. Among men more generally, greater adherence to emotional control and self-reliance is associated with higher depression severity and less depression help-seeking. Men experience more stigma toward depression and help-seeking and are less likely to be diagnosed with depression than women. However, Latino mens barriers and facilitators to depression care remain largely unexplored. The objective of this study was to examine barriers and facilitators to depression care that are related to masculinity among English- and Spanish-speaking Latino men in a primary care setting. METHODS: We used convenience and purposive sampling to recruit primary care patients who self-identified as Latino men, spoke English or Spanish, and screened positive for depressive symptoms on the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 or had a history of depression. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between December 2020 and August 2021. The interview guide examined views and experiences of depression, masculinity, and barriers and facilitators to engaging in depression care. Utilizing consensual qualitative research and thematic analysis informed by modified grounded theory, barriers and facilitators to depression care were identified. RESULTS: We interviewed thirteen participants who varied in English proficiency, education, income, and country of origin. Barriers and facilitators were placed into three domains-Self-Recognition of Depression, Seeking Help for Depression, and Depression Diagnosis and Treatment. Participants described aspects of masculinity as barriers (emotional control and pressure to provide), facilitators (honesty, courage, collaboration, practicality, and responsibility), or both (self-reliance and autonomy). CONCLUSIONS: Masculinity influences barriers and facilitators for depression care among Latino men at the levels of self-recognition, seeking help, and diagnosis and treatment. Clinicians may promote Latino mens engagement in depression care by understanding patients values and framing depression care as affirming masculinity. Providing education to primary care physicians and other healthcare professionals on gender and depression and addressing structural barriers are essential to providing access to all who need depression care.

Background: Men exhibit higher prevalence of modifiable risk factors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, leading to greater cancer incidence and lower survival rates. Comprehensive evidence on global cancer burden among men, including disparities by age group and country, is sparse. To address this, the authors analyzed 30 cancer types among men in 2022, with projections estimated for 2050. Methods: The 2022 GLOBOCAN estimates were used to describe cancer statistics for men in 185 countries/territories worldwide. Mortality‐to‐incidence ratios (MIRs) were calculated by dividing age‐standardized mortality rates by incidence rates. Results: In 2022, a high MIR (indicating poor survival) was observed among older men (aged 65 years and older; 61%) for rare cancer types (pancreatic cancer, 91%) and in countries with low a Human Development Index (HDI; 74%). Between 2022 and 2050, cancer cases are projected to increase from 10.3 million to 19 million (≥84%). Deaths are projected to increase from 5.4 million to 10.5 million (≥93%), with a greater than two‐fold increase among men aged 65 years and older (≥117%) and for low‐HDI and medium‐HDI countries/territories (≥160%). Cancer cases and deaths are projected to increase among working‐age groups (≥39%) and very‐high‐HDI countries/territories (≥50%). Conclusions: Substantial disparities in cancer cases and deaths were observed among men in 2022, and these are projected to widen by 2050. Strengthening health infrastructure, enhancing workforce quality and access, fostering national and international collaborations, and promoting universal health coverage are crucial to reducing cancer disparities and ensuring cancer equity among men globally. In 2022, notable cancer disparities were observed between men's age groups and between countries/territories, and these disparities are projected to widen by 2050. Strengthening health system infrastructure, improving access to universal health coverage, and multidisciplinary approaches are essential for narrowing existing and projected cancer disparities, ultimately ensuring cancer equity in men worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Police work, known for its high stress, exhibits elevated depression rates. OBJECTIVE: This study explores stress and depression in male officers, examining personality traits, coping strategies, family, and social support. Aligned with the diathesis–stress hypothesis and job demands–resources model, it aims to illuminate these factors in policing. METHODS: Two hundred and sixty-four male police officers from Yunlin, Taiwan were enrolled in this study. Structured measurements of stress level, depression symptoms, personality traits, family functioning, and social support were made. We used multiple regression analysis to assess predictors of stress level and depression and identified coping strategies used by the police officers. RESULTS: Of the 264 male police officers, 36.4% had clinically significant depression. Occupational stress was mostly related to organizational factors. Multivariate regression analyses showed that age, personality traits, officer's rank, and period of education obtained could predict police officers' occupational stress. Personality traits, social support, occupational stress, and period of education obtained could predict depression. The most frequently used coping strategies were drinking and smoking. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study support the diathesis–stress hypothesis and the job demands–resources model. Enhancing male police officers' mental well-being requires addressing key factors like social support and occupational stress. Strategic measures, such as mental health education, destigmatization, counseling, and community-building, are vital. Policymakers should collaborate with mental health professionals for tailored interventions, fostering a healthier work environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Y chromosome has long been considered to be a "genetic wasteland" harboring only few genes essentially involved in male sex development and spermatogenesis. However, the discovery of mosaic loss of the Y chromosome (mLOY) in older men has led to revisiting of the potential impact of the Y chromosome on health and the pathophysiological processes of multiple diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease and cardiovascular disease. Hence, developing more sensitive techniques for the detection of mLOY has become an emergent concern. In this article, we present a comprehensive review of the literature regarding mLOY. Additionally, we discuss the emerging discoveries concerning mLOY as well as the underlying mechanisms promoting disease in men of advanced age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined factors associated with incident (one) and recurrent (2+) falls among 7207 non-Hispanic White (NHW) (89.7%), non-Hispanic Black (NHB) (5.0%), and Hispanic (5.3%) men ages ≥60 years with ≥1 chronic conditions, enrolled in an evidence-based fall program. Multinomial and binary regression analyses were used to assess factors associated with incident and recurrent falls. Relative to zero falls, NHB and Hispanic men were less likely to report incident (OR = 0.55, p <.001 and OR = 0.70, p =.015, respectively) and recurrent (OR = 0.41, p <.001 and OR = 0.58, p <.001, respectively) falls. Men who reported fear of falling and restricting activities were more likely to report incident (OR = 1.16, p <.001 and OR = 1.32, p <.001, respectively) recurrent and (OR = 1.46, p <.001 and OR = 1.71, p <.001, respectively) falls. Men with more comorbidities were more likely to report recurrent falls (OR = 1.10, p <.001). Compared to those who experienced one fall, men who reported fear of falling (OR = 1.28, p <.001) and restricting activities (OR = 1.31, p <.001) were more likely to report recurrent falls. Findings highlight the importance of multi-component interventions to prevent falls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Experiencing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may impact personal opinions, attitudes, and judgments, which can further result in HIV-related stigma. HIV-related stigma consequentially may impact HIV preventive measures such as HIV testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake, and condom use. The extent to which ACEs influence HIV-related stigma perception has not been well studied. Therefore, the study aimed to examine the association between ACEs and perceived and interpersonal HIV-related stigma among Tanzanian HIV-negative men. Quantitative survey data were obtained from the Tanzania STEP (Self-Testing Education and Promotion) project established in four wards: Mabibo, Manzese, Tandale, and Mwanyanamala. A total of 507 men responded to the ACEs and HIV-related stigma questionnaires. ACEs were operationalized as types of ACEs (environmental, physical/psychological, sexual abuse) and ACE score (0 (reference) vs. 1, 2, 3, ≥ 4). Perceived HIV-related stigma was analyzed both as a binary (HIV stigma vs. no HIV stigma) and a continuous variable. Unadjusted and adjusted multinomial logistic and linear regression models were used to assess the associations between ACEs and HIV-related stigma. ACE types were associated with HIV stigma (b = 0.237, 95% CI [0.122–0.352], p = <.0001). Findings of the adjusted multinomial logistic regression model show that experiencing one ACE (aOR = 1.9; p-value = 0.023), two ACEs (aOR = 1.8; p-value = 0.044), four or more ACEs (aOR = 4.1; p-value = < 0.0001) were associated with greater perceived HIV-related stigma. Moreover, experiencing environmental (aOR = 8.6; p-value = 0.005), physical/psychological (aOR = 2.5; p-value = 0.004), and sexual abuse (aOR = 3.4; p-value = < 0.0001) were associated with higher odds of HIV-related stigma. Our study findings suggest that those who experience childhood trauma are more likely to have a higher perception of HIV-related stigma. Intervention programs targeting HIV stigma should consider addressing ACEs entailing the behavioral and psychological impact of childhood trauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective Study Design Results Discussion Conclusion Implications for Research Policy and Practice This paper explores the complexities that impact access to mental health services in rural New Zealand. Historical, cultural, social and political factors will be examined against the philosophical positioning of Foucault and Fairclough.This research is a single‐embedded case study design exploring participants' discourses in the context of a rural, bounded geographical area of New Zealand.The results show that mental health support that addresses people's actual needs rather than the needs that governments map against ever‐changing policy is required and that an awareness of context within case study research is important.The process of case study design is described, including building upon a rationale for selecting the case, collecting data and conducting case analysis and interpretation. This study examines factors influencing the real‐life rural context of accessing mental health support. This article demonstrates that case‐study research can be valuable for navigating context complexity and developing nuanced understandings of complex phenomena.The paper highlights how the multifaceted case study context is more than mapping discourses against a rural backdrop. It is necessary to consider the power dynamics that shape experiences and their impact on service creation and its consequent delivery.Rather than services being created that are complex and not meeting people's needs, there is a need to listen to the people who have experienced mental health distress and provide services and support in locations other than clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The social culture, gender stereotypes, and social status of nursing in China impact the professional commitment of male nursing students. Increasing the professional commitment of male nursing students is critical for alleviating the shortage of nurses and addressing the gender gap. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread public concern about the nursing profession and may have changed people's perception of the profession, which in turn may have a positive impact on the professional commitment of male nursing students in China. Objective: This research aimed to assess how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the professional commitment of male nursing students in China and to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on potential factors that might affect their professional commitment. Methods: A descriptive comparative study was conducted. This study involved total 368 male nursing students from five 4-year universities in Henan Province, China. 190 male nursing students were included before the COVID-19 pandemic (October to November 2019) and 178 were included after the COVID-19 pandemic (April to May 2023). The data, such as the sociodemographic characteristics and professional commitment of the two samples, were collected using a paper-and-pencil questionnaire. The research instruments used included the Professional Commitment Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and the General Self-efficacy Scale. The data analysis employed χ2-tests, t-tests and hierarchical regression models. Results: The proportion of Chinese male nursing students who are interested in nursing and do not intend to leave the major has increased after the pandemic (65.17% vs. 29.47%, 61.80% vs. 39.47%, respectively). Male nursing students exhibited greater professional commitment (3.30 ± 0.63) after the pandemic compared to before the pandemic (2.77 ± 0.43). The various factors, such as grade, intend to leave the major, interest in nursing, social support, and general self-efficacy, were linked to professional commitment of male nursing students in China. Conclusions: Male nursing students in China exhibited greater professional commitment after the pandemic. This phenomenon may be attributed to the public's increased recognition of the significance of nursing work during the pandemic, and the social status and image of nursing profession have been improved. Given the changes brought about by the COVID-19, strategies should be considered by nursing decision makers and schools to strengthen the professional commitment of male nursing students and increase the number of male nurses in the post-pandemic era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Addictive and substance-related disorders represent a substantial public health challenge, marked by rising incidence and prevalence rates. Men and women exhibit different patterns of help-seeking for health and social issues including addictions. This research aimed to analyze the help-seeking process among men with addiction to improve understanding and develop more effective, person-centered treatments. Methods: This systematic review was performed based on the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines and reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The protocol of the revision was registered in advance in PROSPERO. Searches were conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (WOS) databases. Results: Based on the literature search, 16 studies were included in the current systematic review. The analyzed studies included seven on substance-use disorders, three on gambling disorder, two on tobacco-use disorder, two addressing substance-related disorders in general, one on opioid-use disorder, and one focused on marijuana use. Gender differences influenced help-seeking behavior, with women generally exhibiting a higher propensity to seek assistance for addiction-related issues than men. Seeking help for addiction—whether substance use or gambling—can be hindered by several barriers, particularly public stigma and discrimination, which tend to be more pronounced for alcohol and gambling compared to tobacco. Additional barriers in the help-seeking process include negative beliefs and attitudes toward seeking help, often associated with traditional male gender roles. Each substance-use disorder was analyzed in depth to gain a better understanding of the barriers faced by this population. Conclusions: Integrating a gender perspective into the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of addiction is essential. As addiction patterns vary between men and women, approaches must be tailored accordingly. Recognizing men as a distinct group in research and clinical practice is also crucial for developing more effective and personalized treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, bibliometric properties of studies on physical activity barriers in men were analyzed using the Biblioshiny interface in R programming language. According to the results of the analysis, a total of 867 articles were published in 397 journals between 1992 and 2024. A great majority of the related studies were produced by American authors and institutions in the USA. The keywords frequently used by the authors were physical activity, exercise, barrier, health, male, and adult. In recent years, the most studied trend topics related to physical activity barriers in men were mellitus, health benefits, university students, stigma, glycemic control, time, and facilitator urban. The present study indicated that there is a need for both individual and institutional studies on physical activity barriers in men. The research results showed that there were still significant gaps in understanding physical activity barriers specific to men. Understanding these gaps is crucial for developing effective interventions, creating targeted health promotion strategies, and informing public health policy. This conclusion suggests that while we have a growing body of research on physical activity barriers in men, there is still much research to be conducted in terms of developing a comprehensive understanding and effective interventions to address these barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

\nKEY POINTSMale suicide is a significant public health concern, with devastating impacts on communities. Of the 3,144 deaths by suicide in Australia in 2021, three-quarters were males – a trend that has occurred for many years and across many countries. The pathway to suicide is highly individual and complex – influenced by social, systemic, and individual factors. This commentary explores the complex interplay of factors that contribute to the higher suicide rates among males, as well as the challenges in addressing this issue within the context of gender norms, mental health, social support, and life stressors. Collaboration with individuals with lived and living experience is crucial in developing gender-responsive services and systemic approaches that support males’ diverse and complex needs. Insights for responding to male suicide risk in clinical practice are provided. Psychologists can play a pivotal role in prevention efforts by: providing tailored support; delivering gender-sensitive programs; conducting research; and advocating for policy changes.What is already known about this topic:(1)  The suicide rate is higher among males in Australia and many other countries.(2)  Correlates of male suicide include mental health, substance use, relationship issues, social isolation, and alcohol use.What this topic adds:(1)  Suicide among men is influenced by a complex interplay between social, systemic and individual factors.(2)  Gender sensitive clinical and community approaches are needed that build collaborative relationships with males and people with lived experience, attend to the unique context of males’ lives, develop protective factors, and advocate for systemic change.(3)  Psychologists can play a critical role in prevention efforts by responding at both individual and community levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nursing has improved over the centuries from the physician's handmaiden to a recognised profession. Yet, the image of a nurse is often associated with notions of caring and nurturing‐ attributes considered feminine. Indeed, cultural, and societal biases exist that can deter men from entering the nursing profession where their sense of masculinity is questioned. Several studies have highlighted the existence of gender‐based stereotypes, stigma, rejection, loneliness and discrimination which impact the retention of men in the nursing profession. Despite the established evidence regarding negative experiences, it appears limited attention has been paid to the men who decide to stay in nursing: how do they thrive in a profession wherein biases are evident within and in the wider societal context? Undoubtedly, several factors such as job security and financial incentives may contribute to men remaining in nursing. Beyond these, we borrow the notion of 'constructive resistance' to underscore that though the biases may be apparent, male nurses are able to construct alternatives that accommodate the image of a man in the nursing profession. Strategies such as developing the image as a 'super nurse' can create opportunities for male nurses to be preferred by other healthcare providers as well as female nurses. Thus, although resistance may usually appear as a negative phenomenon, constructive resistance represents hidden advantages which offers an opportunity to retain male nurses. These need to be highlighted and explored more as they can offer deeper insight into strategies that can be employed to improve retention and representation of men in nursing particularly at a time when the impact of nursing shortage remains a global issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stigma surrounding men's sexuality in Early Childhood Education (ECE) is complex and part of a sexuality hierarchy within which homophobic, emasculating and disparaging undertones are often used to label male teachers in ECE as gay. In this paper the authors demonstrate the complex and gendered ways in which this stigma unfolds in a South African context and offer a decolonising gender perspective to highlight how the country's socio-political context impacts on how parents respond to gay men in ECE. The parents in this study expressed tolerance and acceptance of gay men's involvement in ECE. Notwithstanding, these diverse views, many parents' tolerance and acceptance of gay men in ECE was found to be powerfully structured along a discriminatory heterosexist culture. Despite this, some parent's acceptance of gay male teachers in ECE were underpinned by gender-progressive attitudes to focus on curtailing gender discrimination and promoting gender diversity and inclusivity at school. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Determine the prevalence of breast cancer in male patients treated at the Breast Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Center (CDDCM) of the ISSSTE. Method: Observational, cross-sectional, retrospective study. All men aged between 18 and 90 years with palpable breast and/or axillary nodule, increased breast volume, nipple discharge, mastalgia, and changes in the skin of the breast who underwent mammography and/or ultrasound studies and biopsy at the CDDCM from January 1, 2019, to March 31, 2023, were included. Descriptive statistical methods were used for data analysis. Results: Forty-two patients were studied. The palpable nodule was the most frequent symptom in 95.2% of the patients. Twenty-eight-point six percent of patients required image-guided biopsy for histopathological correlation. The prevalence of breast cancer was 4%. Conclusion: The prevalence of breast cancer in men was higher than that reported by national reference centers. Breast image studies in men are performed in 100% of cases for diagnostic purposes. Spreading awareness of breast pathology in men will facilitate timely cancer detection in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is frequently understood as a diagnosis applicable mainly to women, despite population studies suggesting similar prevalence between men and women. The scarce available information suggests that compared to women, men may face additional gender-related barriers to diagnosis and treatment when attempting to engage with support and treatment for BPD-related difficulties. The current study presents a qualitative in-depth exploration of the help-seeking and diagnosis experiences of four men with BPD. Using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, three themes were generated: (1) "There's just no help out there": barriers to treatment; (2) self-understanding and insight; and (3) the importance of emotional and psychological connection with health care professionals and close family and friends. Having a greater understanding of male-specific experiences of BPD could improve the helpseeking journeys of men with BPD through early identification, accurate and timely diagnosis, to relevant and effective treatment and support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Hyperglycemia is affected by lifestyle and genetic factors. We investigated if dietary patterns associate with glycemia in individuals with high or low genetic risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: Men (n = 1577, 51–81 years) without T2D from the Metabolic Syndrome in Men (METSIM) cohort filled a food-frequency questionnaire and participated in a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. Polygenetic risk score (PRS) including 76 genetic variants was used to stratify participants into low or high T2D risk groups. We established two data-driven dietary patterns, termed healthy and unhealthy, and investigated their association with plasma glucose concentrations and hyperglycemia risk. Results: Healthy dietary pattern was associated with lower fasting and 2-hour plasma glucose, glucose area under the curve, and better insulin sensitivity (Matsuda insulin sensitivity index) and insulin secretion (disposition index) in unadjusted and adjusted models, whereas the unhealthy pattern was not. No interaction was observed between the patterns and PRS on glycemic measures. Healthy dietary pattern was negatively associated with the risk for hyperglycemia in an adjusted model (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.51–0.95, in the highest tertile), whereas unhealthy pattern was not (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.79–1.47, in the highest tertile). No interaction was found between diet and PRS on the risk for hyperglycemia (p = 0.69 for healthy diet, p = 0.54 for unhealthy diet). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that healthy diet is associated with lower glucose concentrations and lower risk for hyperglycemia in men with no interaction with the genetic risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Careers in early childhood education and care (ECEC) are stereotypically perceived as the work of women, and men less often pursue them. Consequently, men are highly underrepresented in child care work worldwide, and when men work in ECEC, they are often treated as "other"—different from the feminine default. Yet, increasing men's representation in ECEC would bring various benefits such as reducing the rigidity of gender roles across society, addressing labor shortages, and increasing job opportunities for men. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we reviewed 120 qualitative, quantitative, and theory articles on redressing the issue of men's underrepresentation in ECEC from 2003 to 2023 to develop a theory-based road map of strategies to foster men's greater inclusion in these careers. Our review identifies key areas for systemic change in organizations, which educate and care for young children, and describes how action is required to professionalize child care, engage gatekeepers, and foster caring masculinities. Further, it highlights relevant issues to be aware of when designing interventions in this specific context, such as the valuing of "women's work," the importance of intersectional approaches, and the critical evaluation of intervention methods. To sustainably increase gender diversity in ECEC, our road map identifies actors that have the most influence and describes how efforts need to come from government, policymakers, organizational leaders, and broader society. Public Significance Statement: Men are widely underrepresented in early childhood education and care, a trend that perpetuates gender stereotypes and limits gender equality efforts. This review identifies key areas for systematic change to increase men's representation in early childhood education and care, such as acknowledging the systematic nature of occupational gender segregation, reshaping gendered expectations and roles of men, reducing men's perceived incongruity with early childhood education and care, fostering caring masculinities in childhood, and engaging organizational gatekeepers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Men can make important contributions to gender equality, but a variety of obstacles impede their engagement with feminism. In this article, we propose a self-determination (Ryan & Deci, 2000) approach to supporting men's feminist engagement. We argue that men are more likely to engage with feminism more consistently and effectively if they internalize feminist goals and incorporate them into their sense of self, that is, if they develop autonomous motivation. We argue further that men are more likely to develop autonomous motivation if their engagement with feminism satisfies basic psychological needs for autonomy, relatedness, and competence. We suggest a variety of strategies to meet these needs, among them: framing feminism as a men's issue, considering men's viewpoints and values, portraying feminism as consistent with gender and masculine norms, encouraging positive interactions with feminist women, and presenting other feminist men as role models and mentors. According to bell hooks (1984), "sexism and sexist oppression, they can only be successfully eradicated if men are compelled to assume responsibility for transforming their consciousness and the consciousness of society as a whole" (p. 81). Our article applies the self-determination theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000) to encourage men to do so. Public Significance Statement: Men have the potential to serve as powerful champions for feminist issues. There are various barriers to men's engagement with feminism. We propose a model, grounded in the self-determination theory, to support men's sustained feminist engagement and commitment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we systematically and critically review the past decade of empirical psychological research (n = 132) on masculinity and violence against women (VAW) to demonstrate an overreliance on individualist and "culturalist" (or culturally essentialist) approaches to theorizing and studying masculinity. Individualist and essentialist approaches assume that masculinity is something men are or possess based on the extent to which they identify with, conform to, or approve of traits or norms (pre)deemed masculine. We argue that these approaches cannot explain why it is men who overwhelmingly practice VAW, or account for the contextual, material, and structural power asymmetries that create conditions for gendered violence. We demonstrate the potentiality of formulations of masculinity (structuralist, poststructuralist, and especially processual) for ending VAW that move beyond individualism and essentialism. While they have helpfully situated masculinity within wider systemic forces, structuralist approaches often overlook how structures operate in constituting masculinities; and they impose false unity by theorizing masculinity through a homogenizing categorical lens. Poststructuralist approaches have accounted for fluidity in the complex construction of masculine subjects, but not for sociomaterial forces, or systemic inequities and modes of structural violence (e.g., neoliberalism, colonialism) that coproduce VAW. We argue that processual approaches, not yet mobilized in the empirical psychological masculinity and VAW literature, offer a particularly productive new way forward in that they map how the individual and social intertwine. We outline implications for theory, research, and praxis. Public Significance Statement: Psychologists tend to conceptualize and study masculinity as something that men are or possess, leaving undertheorized how the individual and sociomaterial intertwine in explaining violence. New approaches that understand and study masculinity as constantly shifting with the social and material world will help us better understand and disrupt the links between masculinity and violence against women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field of men and masculinities has examined rigid adherence to traditional masculine gender roles as a risk factor for sexual perpetration and as a vulnerability factor for sexual victimization. Very little research, however, has examined the role of masculinities in unwanted consensual sex (UCS). UCS is sex that is not wanted or desired by an individual but to which the individual consents or agrees—even though there is no immediate pressure from their partner to do so. UCS is sometimes called "sexual compliance" or "sexual acquiescence." This conceptual article reviews the literature on UCS, including describing the theoretical distinction between unwanted and nonconsensual sex, discussing sexual script theory as the predominate theoretical approach to research on UCS, summarizing the potential consequences of UCS, and addressing the—fairly limited—research on the intersections between masculinities and UCS. This article argues that traditional masculine ideologies may put men at risk for consenting to sex that they do want and may make them less sensitive to their partners' lack of desire during consensual sex. The article offers several future directions for research on men, masculinities, and UCS, and it discusses how research on UCS might guide prevention and therapeutic interventions to reduce rates of problematic UCS for men and their sexual partners. Public Significance Statement: Research has demonstrated that wanting (i.e., desiring or wishing for) sex and consenting (i.e., agreeing or giving permission) to sex do not always correspond. Adherence to traditional masculine gender roles may make men more likely to consent to unwanted sex, and it may make them more likely to have a partner who consents to unwanted sex, but these proposals have rarely been researched. The intersection of masculinities and unwanted consensual sex represents an important future research direction that could expand the understanding of men's sexuality. For example, understanding the role of traditional masculine ideologies in unwanted consensual sex may help to guide prevention and therapeutic interventions (e.g., involving deconstructing stereotypes of men's sexuality) to reduce negative sexual experiences among men and their partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many men's social support systems are romantically centered, with fewer men than women reporting regular emotional disclosure and intimacy outside of heterosexual romantic bonds. The field has not yet reckoned with the ways that shortcomings in men's social networks may further instantiate women's disproportionate emotion work on men's behalf. The current article theorizes an increasing and unequal dependency on close bonds with women in response to the decline of men's social networks through a discrete form of gendered labor we call mankeeping. Specifically, mankeeping is defined as the labor that women take on to shore up losses in men's social networks and reduce the burden of men's isolation on families, the heterosexual bond, and on men. Three testable postulates scaffold this theory that (a) women tend to provide increased emotional support to men who do not have it elsewhere, (b) women's provision of this support is a form of labor, and (c) women experience a burden on their time and well-being when this labor is not equally reciprocated. Mankeeping, a new extension of Carolyn Rosenthal's theory of kinkeeping, is framed in relation to the future of men and masculinities research to advance a fuller understanding of the impact of men's changing social networks on society at large. Public Significance Statement: Over the past 30 years, studies in places like North America and Europe show that men's social networks have shrunk significantly in comparison to women. Fewer close relationships between males may cause some men to rely heavily on relationships with women, specifically romantic relationships, for emotional support in ways that are not always fully reciprocated. This theoretical article argues that a decline in men's social connections may increase the work women exert to support men through a phenomenon we call "mankeeping." Mankeeping refers to the efforts women make to compensate for men's thinner social networks, which can strain their time and well-being. Naming and understanding this dynamic is crucial for disrupting the broader societal impacts of male social networks that are not emotionally intimate and supportive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past 40 years, the psychological study of masculinities grounded primarily in the gender role strain paradigm has characterized psychological representations of masculine gender and documented ways they correlate with psychological, behavioral, interpersonal, and social problems that frequently affect men. Although scholars working from this perspective acknowledge the complex interaction of multiple influences on the psychological construction of masculinities, they have not yet explored important questions about the development of individual differences in the structure and correlates of masculine gender identity among boys and men of all ages. Consequently, this conceptual review highlights ways the principles of developmental psychopathology might inform the next generation of research on the psychology of men and masculinities by more clearly documenting developmental pathways to adaptive versus maladaptive masculine gender identities across the lifespan. Five critical issues are explored: (a) development as a dynamic process, (b) the complementary nature of adaptive and maladaptive development, (c) critical issues in defining pathways to adaptive versus maladaptive developmental outcomes, (d) the complex nature of causal influences on development, and (e) the concepts of resistance and resilience. The discussion closes with brief notes on research methodology in developmental science and the conceptualization of developmentally informed approaches to preventive and clinical intervention. Throughout the discussion, the primary goal is to highlight ways a developmental perspective might advance the psychological study of men and masculinities and reduce the harm associated with maladaptive psychological representations of what it means to be a masculine man. Public Significance Statement: Over more than 40 years, research has documented a relationship between psychological representations of masculinity and many of the health, behavioral health, and social problems that frequently affect men. However, this research has failed to clarify how these problematic ideas develop and how they might change over the lifecycle of a man. Developmental psychopathology is an approach to studying problems in human development that researchers could use to better understand what might be done to reduce the harm associated with unrealistic, inflexible ideas about what it means to be a masculine man. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender is one of the most essentialized social categories, with putative differences between cisgender men and cisgender women often framed in biological terms. We propose that the consequences of inaccurate and widely held essentialist beliefs about gonadal hormones (EBAGHs) in particular—that is, that androgens signify "men" and estrogens signify "not-men"—have yet to be fully appreciated. For example, placebo effects such as increased strength, sexual desire, and irritability have been documented for the androgen testosterone. Accumulating research also suggests that lay understandings exaggerate the causal importance of testosterone in men's aggression. Consequently, testosterone is often either eschewed (i.e., men are "poisoned" by it) or enshrined ("more is good, less is bad"). Moreover, the efficacy-bolstering role of estrogens such as estradiol across the physical, cognitive, and sexual health domains for men has been downplayed or ignored by those who assert pejorative links between estrogen and weakness or effeminacy. Critically, EBAGHs may fuel "hypermasculine" behaviors such as excessive red meat consumption, problematic alcohol intake, and anabolic steroid misuse as well as treatment seeking for "low T" in the absence of proper medical diagnosis—which can all, ironically, result in disrupting men's optimal hormonal balance. Implications of our analysis for research (e.g., EBAGHs as predictors men's health behaviors, use of bogus "hormonal profiles" to induce or assuage threats to masculinity in experimental studies) and interventions (e.g., "hormone education" to offset the adverse effects of EBAGHs) are discussed. Public Significance Statement: Inaccurate beliefs about gonadal hormones may cause testosterone to be either valued or devalued—and estrogen to be portrayed as the enemy—in men. Such beliefs may contribute to hypermasculine behaviors, poor diet, misguided health care, and other negative outcomes for men. Biologically accurate hormone education may therefore have beneficial consequences for men's self-perception, perception by others, and overall well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, progressive, degenerative joint disease characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and limited movement. It presents significant intra- and inter-individual variability—in particular, between genders. Recent research has increasingly focused on the role of adipokines—especially leptin, adiponectin, and resistin—in the development of OA. Adipokines, peptide hormones primarily secreted by adipose tissue, are involved in crucial physiological processes related to metabolism and immunity. They can also impact bone and cartilage turnover by interacting with joint cells such as osteoblasts, osteoclasts, chondrocytes, and mesenchymal stem cells, thereby linking inflammation with bone cartilage homeostasis. This review aims to elucidate the structure and functions of various adipokines, their serum and synovial levels, and their association with clinical presentation and radiographic progression in OA patients, with a focus on differences between sexes. A narrative literature review was conducted using three databases specifically analyzing sex differences. OA patients generally show elevated serum and synovial levels of leptin, chemerin, and visfatin, as well as high plasma levels of resistin and visfatin. In contrast, synovial levels of adiponectin and omentin are reduced in OA patients compared to healthy individuals, with an inverse relationship to disease severity, suggesting a potential protective role. Resistin and leptin were positively correlated with pain severity and radiographic progression, while adiponectin's role in OA remains controversial. Regarding sex differences, male OA patients exhibited higher serum levels of leptin, chemerin, and omentin compared to healthy controls, with a positive correlation to the BMI and estrogen levels, potentially explaining the sexual dimorphism observed in this condition. Studies on visfatin and lipocalin did not reveal significant differences in synovial or serum levels between the sexes. The role of resistin remains controversial. Adipokines influence the joint microenvironment and contribute to the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). However, the precise biological mechanisms are not yet fully understood due to the complex interactions between the metabolic, mechanical, and immune systems. Further research is needed to clarify their roles in OA and to identify targeted therapies for managing this degenerative disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Individual studies on men with mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic inguinal hernia who have opted for watchful waiting (WW) vary considerably. Furthermore, long-term data on such patients who cross over to herniorrhaphy is scarce. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched systematically from inception to 3rd April 2024 for long-term follow-up of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on men with mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic inguinal hernia. Individual participant survival data of cross over rates from WW to herniorrhaphy were extracted, reconstructed and combined. Secondary outcome was reason for cross over to herniorrhaphy. Results: Long-term follow-up of three RCTs with 592 participants was included. A total of 344/592 participants crossed over to herniorrhaphy during a median follow up period that ranged from 3.2 to 12.0 years. The median cumulative cross over rate was 54.2% (95% CI 45.5% – 66.3%). The cumulative 1-year, 5-year, and 10- year cross over rates were 28.7% (95% CI 25.2% – 32.5%), 51.5% (95% CI 47.4% – 55.6%), and 70.6% (95% CI 66.2% – 74.9%) respectively. During follow-up, the most frequent reasons for cross over to herniorrhaphy were increased pain 198/344 (57.6%) and incarceration 15/344 (4.4%). Conclusion: This study provides valuable long-term data for patient counselling, indicating that while WW is a safe strategy for men with mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic inguinal hernia, symptoms would likely progress eventually, necessitating operative repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Our study examines the rarely investigated associations between body dissatisfaction and educational level over the life course in women and men. Methods: A Finnish cohort (N = 1955) was followed by questionnaires at ages 22, 32, 42, and 52. Body dissatisfaction was measured by asking the respondents to evaluate their appearance using five response options. Analyses were done using logistic regression, while latent class analyses were used to identify classes of body dissatisfaction trajectories over the life course. Results: Body dissatisfaction increased with age in women and men. Among men, body dissatisfaction was related to lower education at the ages of 32 and 42. Also, men with lower education were more likely to maintain a less positive body image over the life course. In women, increasing body dissatisfaction during the life course was associated with lower education. Conclusions: Differences in body dissatisfaction based on educational level are important to take into account in public health actions aiming to reduce socioeconomic inequalities in health and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Pakistan, family planning has traditionally been perceived as primarily a women's concern, resulting in the exclusion of men from relevant initiatives. This situation is further exacerbated by cultural and social barriers that hinder men's access to family planning services. This study addresses a significant research gap by assessing the extent of family planning service provision for men in urban areas of Karachi. It delves into the exploration of men's involvement in family planning service delivery, identifies existing gaps in services catering to men, records men's perceptions of accessibility and acceptability of these services, and ultimately offers recommendations to enhance men's involvement and strengthen service provision to better meet their needs. Methods: We employed a qualitative exploratory research design using semi-structured interviews to investigate perceptions regarding family planning service provision to men. This approach involved 25 interviews, comprising eight key informant interviews with stakeholders, eight with service providers, and nine in-depth interviews with married men. Results: This study highlights the limited engagement of men in family planning programs, primarily due to entrenched sociocultural norms that confine female healthcare providers to serving women, hindering men's involvement. While national and provincial policies endorse men's participation, they lack defined roles for male providers. Behavioral and information-sharing barriers at the community level discourage male healthcare providers from collaborating with females. Family planning programs, except for NGO-led vasectomy projects, fail to adequately address men's needs. Despite policy recognition, implementation remains inadequate. Bridging the men's involvement gap necessitates more male providers and improved contraceptive stigma combat training. Further research is vital to explore effective methods for involving men in community and service delivery in family planning. Conclusion: There is a need to change the perception that contraception is solely the responsibility of women, as men's participation in family planning in Karachi is limited. Engaging men can yield positive health and non-health outcomes. Culturally sensitive services, developed with community input using a couple-centered approach, are crucial for equitable family planning. Further research is needed to explore men's inclusion strategies in service provision and utilization. Plain English Summary: Many family planning efforts focus solely on women, leaving out men, especially in Pakistan, due to cultural and social barriers. This study aimed to explore men's involvement in family planning programs in Karachi. We talked to 25 different people, such as those who run family planning programs, provide services, and married men. We found that men aren't much involved in these programs. Female health providers usually help women, which discourages men from participating or getting involved in such programs. Even though there have been policies to include men since 2002, they don't have specific roles defined. Men don't discuss family planning much with female providers due to behavioral differences and lack of open communication. Men mostly prefer condoms, and apart from a small NGO-run vasectomy project, there are few programs-tailored to their needs. Although policies exist, they're not fully in practice. To change this, we need more male providers and improved training to reduce the stigma around contraception. Future research should explore more effective ways to involve men in family planning, both in communities and service levels. Overall, getting men involved in family planning is important, and services need to be developed with input from communities and couples to ensure fairness. More research is needed to figure out the best ways to do this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual offending is a public concern and results in lasting detrimental effects. Despite evidence demonstrating the impact of belief systems on sexual offending behaviors, research exploring family belief systems among individuals who perpetrate sexual offenses is limited. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of 10 cisgender men in outpatient treatment for sexual offending. Following Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), findings indicated a broad range of early experiences for men who have sexually offended. The rich findings that emerged from the lived experiences of the participants are presented in relation to current knowledge, and practice implications are shared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diversity is an important issue in higher education communication and media programs. This study shows how librarians can use audit data to assess and strive for diversity in their library's print monographic collections. This article explores aspects of diversity within two fields of study, communication and media, and discusses the results of a diversity audit of communication and media monographs published between 2013 and 2022. The author analyzes thirteen diversity-related topics and their coverage within communication and media. A discussion of the current landscape as well as implications for researchers, librarians, and publishers are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives VEXAS syndrome is an autoinflammatory disease associated with a somatic mutation of the X-linked UBA1 gene in haematopoietic progenitor cells. This disorder was originally described as a disease affecting men, but rare cases of VEXAS syndrome in women have since been reported. The theoretical existence of phenotypic sex differences in this X-linked disease is debated. We compared the features of VEXAS syndrome between males and females to better understand this disorder and to improve its diagnostic accuracy in females. Methods From previously published clinical descriptions of VEXAS syndrome, we included studies that described patients with precise, individual VEXAS-related features. We formed a literature-based cohort of patients by collecting their clinical and biological data and compared the characteristics of male and female patients. Results We gathered 224 patient descriptions from 104 articles: 9 women and 215 men. Among the women, 1 had a constitutional 45,X karyotype and 4 had an acquired X monosomy in the bone marrow karyotype, while the marrow karyotype was not provided for the others. No difference was observed in the clinical or biological features according to sex. We also observed no difference in the type of UBA1 mutation or the association with myelodysplastic syndrome. Conclusions Our results supported the hypothesis that the UBA1 mutation should be sought under the same conditions in both sexes. As UBA1 is not subject to X-chromosome inactivation, VEXAS syndrome in females requires both UBA1 mutation and X monosomy, thus explaining the similarity between male and female VEXAS-related features and the lower prevalence of VEXAS syndrome in females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Family caregivers have a vital role to play in palliative care for chronically ill patients. In Taiwan, caregiver demographics are evolving, with the number of male caregivers increasing. Gender differences influence psychosocial behaviours, thought processes and communication styles. In healthcare, acknowledgement of gender differences facilitates effective delivery of high‐quality care. Aim: The aim of this study is to explore male caregivers' decision‐making process for palliative care for chronically ill family members. Methods: This study employed grounded theory to generate a substantive theory of male caregivers' decision‐making process for palliative care for chronically ill family members. We recruited 22 male participants from three inner‐city teaching hospitals in Taiwan. Findings: Regarding the decision‐making process of palliative care of chronic ill family, where male caregivers do not want their loved ones suffering anymore, the male caregivers' decision‐making process was impacted, first, by caregivers' views on the last stage of life; second, by their wish for good care during the end of life; and third, by their conviction that the patients' wishes should be respected. Furthermore, caregivers' philosophy of life and death is also a supportive ground for decision‐making. This philosophy was influenced by their education in palliative care, financial status and religious beliefs and practices. The core category emerging from this study is encapsulated by a participant's assertion, 'How difficult is it? There are no male and female differences'. Conclusion: We found that palliative care experiences of male caregivers are important for the decision‐making process for palliative care for their chronically ill family members. Caregivers want their loved ones to receive good care as the last step in life, to respect their wishes and no more suffering for the patient. Therefore, health professionals should be familiar with the palliative care process that caregivers go through to offer updated information when needed. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Taiwanese philosophy of end‐of‐life care focuses on family values and shares the power of making critical decisions between patients and their relatives.Due to cultural preferences, the dedicated family caregiver often becomes the only channel for honouring the patient's wishes.Male and female caregivers can have different coping mechanisms; males are less likely to seek support and are more stressed by financial burdens. What this paper adds? The patient and the whole family should be considered in the discussion of end‐of‐life care.Male caregivers indicated palliative care should be linked to comfort care, avoidance of suffering and respecting patients' wishes. The implication of this paper: Male caregivers should be well supported, good care for their loved ones and fulfil the patient's wishes and no more suffering.Education in palliative care and religious and financial support should be provided along with palliative care services to both male caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We wanted to determine if there are any associations between birth factors and adult fracture risk. For women only, shorter birth length was associated with lower relative fracture risk. For women and men, individuals who were long at birth as well as tall in adulthood had a substantially higher relative fracture risk. Purpose: We aimed to examine associations between birth anthropometry and adult fracture risk and to investigate if developmental mismatch is associated with fracture risk. Methods: We included 4635 participants (476 women and 4159 men; born 1921–1950) with hospital and national registry-based data on birth anthropometry and adult fractures (≥ 50 years). We tested associations by Cox proportional hazards regressions and present hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals. Results: In total, 1215 (26%) suffered ≥ 1 fracture during a mean observation period of 26 years. In women, unadjusted analyses indicated that both higher birth weight (HR 1.42 per kg (1.10–1.84)) and birth length (1.10 per cm (1.05–1.17)) were associated to higher adult fracture risk. After adjustment (year of birth and gestational age), statistical significance remained only for birth length, HR 1.10 per cm (1.04–1.17). For men, no associations were apparent. We found no associations between developmental mismatch (lower birth weight followed by higher adult weight) and adult fracture risk. However, for both sexes, being born tall and staying tall into adulthood was associated with a markedly higher (55–105%) relative fracture risk (HR women 2.09 (1.18–3.68), men 1.55 (1.19–2.03)) compared to being born short and remaining short in adulthood. Conclusion: In this study, being born shorter and lighter was associated with a lower risk for fractures ≥ 50 years in women. However, analyses indicated that tall adults who were also long at birth may be at markedly higher risk of fractures; this warrants further examinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Men represent a proportion of those with eating disorders yet are neglected in the existing literature. One area with limited research is how men with eating disorders experience body image. This study investigated how men with eating disorders make sense of their experience of body image. Ten male participants with diagnosed eating disorders were recruited from four National Health Service specialist adult eating disorder services. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and data analysed with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Analysis identified three themes: 'Focus on Self', 'Focus on Others' and 'Systemic Influences and Pressures'. Findings indicated that body image was experienced intrapersonally, interpersonally, and systemically. This study adds to the limited accounts of body image among men with eating disorders. It is recommended that future research explore body image in underrepresented gender and sexuality groups and that clinicians incorporate the nuances of men's experiences of body image into clinical assessment and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible Summary: What is known on the subject?: We know that there are similar rates of borderline personality disorder (BPD) diagnosed in both men and women; however, some research suggests that BPD is diagnosed later and less frequently in men. Some research suggests that males diagnosed with BPD present differently to women, but not much is known about how this influences the care men receive in inpatient mental health hospitals. What the paper adds to existing knowledge?: This paper is the first to specifically ask inpatient staff about men diagnosed with BPD, and to hear about their perceptions and experiences.It identified that some staff do not feel as knowledgeable in identifying and treating BPD in men compared to women. Some staff talked about how emotional difficulties like BPD are often not the first thought when men present with distress compared to women. Staff also talked about needing a safe, open and transparent working culture to be able to ask questions and to be questioned on their own assumptions, biases or lack of training. What are the implications for practice?: This paper suggests that inpatient staff may hold some assumptions about men and their emotions, such as assuming that they are less likely to struggle with emotional difficulties like BPD. Staff anxieties about risk management may influence how they perceive and care for men in inpatient wards. The findings suggest that male‐specific training in identifying and treating BPD should be provided for staff on inpatient wards, to improve knowledge and confidence. Introduction: Research highlights discrepancies in recognition of borderline personality disorder (BPD) in men, despite similar rates of prevalence across genders. Aim: To investigate inpatient mental health professionals' experiences of delivering treatment for males with a diagnosis of BPD. Method: Six mental health professionals working within adult acute inpatient wards completed a semi‐structured interview. All participants were members of the nursing team. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results: Five themes were identified: Gender Differences, Stereotyping, Facilitators to Care Delivery, Barriers to Care Delivery and Ways to Improve Care. Participants talked of a lack of awareness and understanding of BPD in males impacting both diagnosis and treatment in an acute inpatient setting. Discussion: There may be factors ranging from gender stereotypes, limited knowledge and understanding of gender differences in presentations, and personal/organisational cultures influencing the formulation and treatment of males with a diagnosis of BPD in inpatient settings. Implications for Practice: The findings suggest that gender stereotypes such as masculine norms may influence how male patients' emotional difficulties are understood and managed, and that additional training in male‐specific issues to improve knowledge and care provision. This research will support inpatient staff, service leads and clinical educators to identify ways to adapt care provision for men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: College men may be at risk for binge eating (BE) but are underrepresented in research. This study aimed to examine if body weight/shape concerns, perceived stress, and psychological distress significantly contributed to the likelihood of BE over the past 28 days. Participants: A racially/ethnically diverse sample (N = 873) of college men. Method: An anonymous online survey was administered. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the hypothesized associations for the entire sample, and exploratory analyses were conducted within each racial/ethnic group. Results: The model explained approximately 25% of the variance in BE, with body weight/shape concerns as the only significant predictor in the overall sample and for the White, Black, and Asian subsamples; none of the variables were significant among Latino men. Conclusions: Body weight/shape concerns predict BE among diverse college men. The findings have implications for future research, as well as for prevention and intervention for college men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The arrival of one's first child is a known risk factor for mental illness, yet investigations on fathers' mental health are limited. We conducted a longitudinal investigation on paternal depression and anxiety in the nine years surrounding the transition to fatherhood. Using a national cohort of French men (CONSTANCES, n = 6299), we investigated the prevalence and associated risk factors of mental illness amongst first-time fathers. Responses to the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) and 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) scales were used to identify clinically significant symptom scores. Self-declared mental illness was also reported by participants. Group-based modelling was used to identify latent trajectory groups for both measures. Levels of self-declared anxiety (averaging 4.9 % pre-fatherhood, 7.8 % post) exceeded that of depression (1.9 % pre- fatherhood, 3.3 % post) or other disorders. However, rates of clinically significant symptom scores (17–27 %) were consistently higher. Participants' mental health appeared to worsen from two-years prior to their child's arrival and improve from two-years after. We identified three trajectory groups for fathers' self-declared mental illness: Low stable (90.3 %); Low risk with high temporary increase (5.6 %); and Consistent high risk (4.1 %). Risk factors associated with worsening mental health trajectories were unemployment, not living with one's partner, having had adverse childhood experiences and foregoing healthcare due to financial reasons. All measures of mental illness relied on participant self-reports and are thus subject to bias. This study reveals an important period of heightened psychological vulnerability amongst first-time fathers, emphasising the need for increased and better adapted paternal mental health screening. • Anxiety appeared consistently more prevalent than depression in first-time fathers. • Fathers' mental health appeared to worsen from two-years prior to fatherhood. • Most mental illness trajectories improved two-years after the first child's arrival. • Unemployment and barriers to healthcare associated with worsening mental health • Non-resident fathers had an increased risk of negative mental health trajectories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Men in Eswatini test for HIV at lower rates compared to women despite the widespread availability of HIV testing services in the country. HIV self-test kits have been proposed as an HIV testing model to reach more men by bypassing the health facility, which is known to be a barrier for men using HIV testing services. In this study, we sought to understand men's perspectives on HIV self-testing in Eswatini. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 22 men, recruited from a rural community and from an urban men's clinic, to assess their awareness of HIV self-testing and their perceptions of it as an alternative HIV testing option. Findings show that men were aware of HIV self-testing but had concerns that left most feeling hesitant about adopting it. Many men expressed doubts about the accuracy of self-testing and their own technical competence to use the kit without supervision. They also expressed fears about testing, and possibly learning they were HIV positive, without adequate pre – and post-HIV test counseling. To allay men's fears and improve uptake of HIV self-testing, practitioners might consider innovative methods such as virtual counseling services and linking HIV self-testing to other community-based HIV care services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of the present study was to investigate the association between exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) and symptoms of depression among a sample of married refugee men. The study recruited a convenient sample of 539 married Syrian refugee men residing in refugee camps and other locations in Jordan between 2021-2022. A cross-sectional, correlational design was employed. IPV and symptoms of depression among the participants were assessed by the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2) and the Patient Health Questionnaire, respectively. The findings of the study revealed a moderate prevalence of depression among the refugee men, with the most experienced types of IPV being the absence of negotiation with partners, psychological violence, physical violence, and injury. Significant positive correlations were observed between all types of IPV and symptoms of depression. It was determined that approximately 80% of the variation in symptoms of depression could be explained by the combination of the four types of IPV. Psychological violence was the strongest predictor for symptoms of depression followed by the absence of negotiation between partners and the occurrence of injury. Offering recommendations for interventions would aid in the development of effective strategies and support systems aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of IPV on the mental well-being of married refugee men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paradox of man as a unity of matter and spirit preoccupied the thought and imagination of Tolkien to a deep degree. Indeed, in a number of places, Tolkien identifies the main theme or purpose of his work being an exploration of 'Death, and Immortality'. By introducing two races within his legendarium that reflect two different ontological relations to the world, Tolkien could explore the subtlety of this paradox that is the current condition of man against other possible relations to shed further light on man's actual relationship with time and eternity. As Tolkien's imaginative work directly engages with the nature of body and soul, and man's experience as embodied spirit, this paper seeks to examine some aspects of Tolkien's anthropology as sketched throughout his work, in order to see what his formulation in the mode of myth can contribute to deepening the principles given in a classical anthropology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]