Closing a gap through The Power of Nurses™

WHEN YOU THINK about health equity, what comes to mind? You picture maternal health initiatives or breast cancer screening programs. Himmelstein and colleagues and Mauvais-Jarvis and colleagues note that although these remain vital, we frequently overlook a critical gap: men’s health equity. As nurses, you hold unique power to address this disparity, especially if you’re among the growing number of men entering our profession.

In the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, men die 5 years earlier than women on average and they’re less likely to seek timely care. They face higher rates of suicide, cardiovascular disease, and undiagnosed mental health conditions.

Consider this scenario: A 45-year-old man arrives in your emergency department with chest pain he’s ignored for 3 days. Sound familiar? Many men view seeking help as weakness, a belief reinforced by societal expectations.

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, male nurses comprise only about 13% of the nursing workforce, yet their presence creates meaningful change in patient care. When male patients see male nurses, they frequently feel more comfortable discussing sensitive health issues like erectile dysfunction, mental health struggles, or prostate concerns. Think about your male patients who seem reluctant to engage. Try having a male colleague initiate the conversation. You might notice increased openness and more honest health discussions. These disparities aren’t simply clinical. They’re also driven by gender norms, delayed help-seeking behaviors, and systemic gaps in engagement that affect heath quality and equity.

Every clinical encounter represents an opportunity to improve outcomes for men and boys. Mauvais-Jarvis and colleagues recommend examining your own approach to male patients. Do you ask open-ended questions that invite dialogue? Instead of asking “Are you taking your medications?” try “Tell me about any challenges you’re having with your medications.” This subtle shift creates space for honest conversation.

Create male-friendly environments in your clinical setting. Display health information that speaks directly to men’s concerns. Schedule flexible appointment times, since many men cite job conflicts as barriers to care.

Address mental health and preventive care proactively with every male patient. Ask directly: “How are you managing stress?” According to Seidler and colleagues, depression in men frequently manifests as irritability or anger rather than sadness, so watch for these signs. When you see male patients for acute issues, discuss screening recommendations. Say something like, “While you’re here for your ankle injury, let’s also talk about your last blood pressure check and cholesterol screening.” Ask, “Did you know men are more likely to have undiagnosed high blood pressure? Let’s check yours today.”

Recruit and mentor men into nursing. If you’re a male nurse, share your experiences with students and colleagues. Advocate for workplace policies that support all nurses regardless of gender. Challenge stereotypes when you encounter them.

Health equity ensures everyone receives the care they deserve. Nurses can break barriers through culturally sensitive outreach and environments where men feel comfortable seeking help. For example, during Men’s Health Awareness Month, nurses lead by starting conversations and promoting preventive care to improve the health trajectory of male patients. Advancing this equity is essential for achieving truly patient-centered care.

Julian Gallegos is co-founder for the American Men’s Health Nursing Alliance. Jason Mott is president and Curry Bordelon is president-elect of the American Association for Men in Nursing. Brent MacWilliams is a Luther Christman Fellow for the American Association for Men in Nursing.

American Nurse Journal. 2026; 21(6). Doi: 10.51256/ANJ062630

References

American Association of Colleges of Nursing. 2023 Annual Report: Co-Creating the Future of Academic Nursing. 2023. aacnnursing.org/Portals/0/PDFs/Publications/Annual-Reports/2023-AACN-Annual-Report.pdf

Himmelstein MS, Sanchez DT. Masculinity in the doctor’s office: Masculinity, gendered doctor preference and doctor–patient communication. Prev Med. 2023;84:34-40. doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2015.12.008

Mauvais-Jarvis F, Bailey Merz N, Barnes PJ, et al. Sex and gender: Modifiers of health, disease, and medicine. Lancet. 2020;396(10250):565-82. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(20)31561-0.

Seidler ZE, Dawes AJ, Rice SM, Oliffe JL, Dhillon HM. The role of masculinity in men’s help-seeking for depression: A systematic review. Clin Psychol Rev. 2016;49:106-18. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2016.09.002

U.S. Census Bureau. Men in nursing occupations: American Community Survey highlight report. 2023. census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/working-papers/2013/acs/2013_Landivar_02.pdf