Men's Health and Society - National Research Report (II): Medical Examinations and Consumption Preferences
II. Medical Treatment and Physical Examination
Intense market competition and a fast-paced work environment have led many to neglect timely medical treatment or regular checkups due to busy work or household chores, a lack of attention to physical and mental health issues, or even the increased personal responsibility for medical expenses following healthcare reforms. Statistics show that in the past three years, 15% of men delayed treatment for illnesses, lower than the 21% of women. Urban men and older individuals are also more likely to delay treatment.
The survey also revealed that, since 50% of urban and 4% of rural men's workplaces do not provide public medical care or insurance, 63% of respondents who did not seek timely diagnosis and treatment cite economic reasons or lack of time as reasons for delaying hospital visits. Among them, men were more likely to delay treatment due to busy work schedules or long distances to hospitals, while women were more likely to delay treatment due to busy housework.
Table 4 also shows that rural men suffer from a severe lack of medical resources and protection compared to urban men. Furthermore, with the reform of the medical welfare system, more and more employers are not providing public medical/medical insurance, work injury insurance, sick leave pay, and paid leave, making it more difficult for young people to enjoy related medical security and benefits than for the elderly. However, their awareness of self-insurance has not increased accordingly; only 5% have purchased medical insurance from insurance companies out of pocket, which is not significantly different from the middle-aged and elderly. In rural areas, only 3% of men have purchased medical insurance (compared to 9% in urban areas).
Besides seeking medical treatment when ill, respondents also lacked awareness of the importance of timely physical examinations. The survey showed that 70% of both men and women had not had a health check-up in the past three years, with the figure reaching 59% for urban men and a staggering 81% for rural men. Urban residents, enjoying more public welfare benefits, had a significantly higher rate of timely physical examinations; young people had a stronger sense of self-care and were more likely to pay for their own physical examinations (20%), while those with a college degree or above were more likely to receive public medical examination benefits, compared to only 4% for those with primary school education or below.
III. Nutrition and Personal Consumption Preferences
Since health status is only one aspect of this study, and the rural sample constitutes a significant proportion, only one nutritional indicator was used: "If they wanted to eat, could they eat one egg a day?" Statistical results showed that 84% of men answered affirmatively, with no significant difference compared to women (83%). However, the quality of life for rural men was lower than that for urban men; only 74% could fulfill their wish of eating one egg a day, significantly lower than the 94% in urban areas. Young men (85%) had slightly better nutritional status than older men (82%).
In terms of personal consumption preferences, men spend the highest proportion (56%) on smoking and drinking, with rural men spending even more (63%); followed by social engagements (49%); 39% mainly on clothing, 22% on books/newspapers/educational items, and only 6% on health products and fitness. Women, on the other hand, spend significantly less on harmful activities like smoking and drinking, while their spending on health products and fitness is significantly higher than men's.
IV. Physical Exercise
The report of the 16th National Congress of the Communist Party of China proposed that by 2020, in addition to establishing a relatively complete national education system, a science and technology and cultural innovation system, my country should also establish a national fitness and medical and health system. This is a fundamental project for developing cultural undertakings and improving people's quality, and also an important way to enhance the health of the entire population and achieve the goal of all-round development. A survey shows that about 70% of the male respondents did not participate in any physical exercise in the past two months, and only 12% exercised almost every day. Urban men (55%) and young men (39%) participated more in physical exercise, while middle-aged men faced greater physical burdens and had a lower awareness of exercise. Only 26% of men aged 31-50 had participated in physical exercise.
Related analysis shows that those who are employed and those with lower levels of education participate in physical exercise significantly less. For example, 60% of unemployed people have not participated in physical exercise in the past two months, compared to 78% of employed people; the figure is as high as 90% for men with primary school education or below, while only 37% have a college degree or above.
Spring outings and travel are considered activities to relieve stress and relax, but 96% of rural men and 82% of urban men have not traveled or taken a vacation in the past two months.