Study on Male Attendance at the Municipal Public Health System of the City of Córdoba

Abstract

In Argentina, male mortality rates are higher compared to females, and life expectancy at birth is lower for men than for women. The causes are varied and also depend on the age range analyzed, with a differentiation observed starting from entry into working life. One possible cause could be lower attendance/access to health services. The aim of this study is to describe and analyze male attendance at primary care services and explore the possible causes of these differences.

Information was taken from the Digital Medical Records from 7/1/2023 to 5/31/2024. All medical consultations were analyzed, excluding sex-specific diagnoses to avoid bias. The analysis included sex, consultation time, specialty of the professionals, as well as the age and health insurance of the patients. Comparisons were made using Chi-square tests. A p-value of ≤ 0.001 was considered significant. Statistical analysis was performed with EpiDat 3.1.

A total of 345,854 consultations were identified, carried out by 352 professionals (25% male), corresponding to 143,960 individuals (43.3% male), and compared with the population of Córdoba Capital. The comparison of male vs. female attendance showed the following for adolescents: 15.1% vs. 16.5%, p=0.00001, and for the working-age group (20 to 65 years): 3.6% vs. 7.6%, p=0.00001. No statistically significant differences were found in children and the elderly. Male doctors received more male consultations than female doctors. For adolescents: 50% vs. 48%, p=0.00001, and for the working-age group: 32.7% vs. 22.7%, p=0.00001. Professionals who provide care until 5:00 or 7:00 pm registered more male consultations compared to those who work until 2:00 pm. For the working-age group: 30.4% vs. 28.5%, p=0.00001, and for retirees: 44.7% vs. 37.8%, p=0.00001. Working-age men with health coverage consulted more than those without. 31.2% vs. 27.3%, p=0.00001.

Men attend medical consultations less frequently during adolescence and working age. The explored factors were lower attendance at female professionals, morning hours, and lack of health insurance.