National MENtion It® campaign examines how COVID-19 has affected men’s
outlook on health and how they are coping with all of the changes
September 8, 2020: A new national survey by Cleveland Clinic reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting both the mental and physical health of men and as a result, some men are negatively impacted while others are making healthier choices.
In an online survey among approximately 1,000 U.S. males 18 years or older, Cleveland Clinic found that 77 percent of men report their stress level has increased as a result of COVID-19, 59 percent of men have felt isolated during the pandemic and nearly half (45 percent) of men say their emotional/mental health has worsened during the pandemic.
The survey was issued as part of Cleveland Clinic’s fifth annual educational campaign, “MENtion It®,” which aims to address the fact that men often do not “MENtion” health issues or take steps to prevent them. This year, Cleveland Clinic set out to see what sort of effect the pandemic has had on men over the past six months and what their outlook is looking forward.
“The pandemic has affected all of us in ways we could not imagine, particularly men,” said Emile Barreau MD, Family Medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic Weston. “Concerns about their physical health, job losses or transitioning to remote work, added caregiving responsibilities and concerns about keeping themselves and their loved ones safe during the pandemic, have adversely affected men’s emotional health and well-being. It’s no surprise that mental health is a critical issue in this year’s survey.”
Key survey findings:
•Men May Not MENtion It, but COVID-19 is Taking a Toll on Their Mental Health
Three-in-five men (59%) feel COVID-19 has had a greater negative impact on their mental health than the 2008 recession.
66% of men say they rarely talk about the impact COVID-19 has had on their mental health.
•Many Men Struggle to Stay Healthy During the Pandemic
Half of men (48%) have put off seeing a doctor for non-COVID-19 related health issues over the last few months – this is even higher among men 18-34 (56%).
40% of men say they are struggling to stay healthy during COVID-19.
A quarter (24%) of men report weight gain during the pandemic.
While Some Are Struggling, COVID-19 Has Inspired Healthier Habits in Others
Nearly half of men (45%) feel healthier now than before the COVID-19 outbreak.
Roughly one-quarter of men have started sleeping more (28%), while a fifth have been exercising more (22%) and eating healthier (19%) since the COVID-19 outbreak.
A quarter (23%) have been spending more time with family/friends virtually, likely as a way of coping with social distancing.
Men Could do More to Protect Themselves Against COVID-19
While the majority (70%) have been wearing face masks in public as a means of protection against COVID-19, nearly a third (30%) of men have not been.
Younger men 18 to 34 are less likely to avoid gathering in large groups to protect themselves against COVID-19 (51%), especially compared to older men 55 and up (67%).
•Most Men Are Optimistic About the Future Despite COVID-19
While 64% don’t see an end to the COVID-19 outbreak in sight, the majority (71%) still remain optimistic about the future as the world continues to battle COVID-19, suggesting the pandemic hasn’t dampened spirits completely.
“We want to remind men that their physical and mental health should be a priority, especially during a pandemic,” said Dr. Barreau. “It is vitally important for men to undergo regular screenings that could detect a health issue, and they should discuss feelings of anxiety and stress with their physician.”
Visit www.clevelandclinic.org/MENtionIt for more information about men’s health and important preventive steps every man can take.
Methodology
Results of an online survey conducted among a national probability sample consisting of a weighted total of 1,180 American males 18 years of age and older, living in the continental United States. The total sample data is nationally representative regarding age, ethnicity, household income and educational attainment. The online survey was conducted by YouGov and completed between July 31st- August 3rd, 2020. The margin of error (MOE) for the total sample at the 95% confidence level is +/- 2.91 percentage points.
About Cleveland Clinic Weston
Cleveland Clinic Weston, part of Cleveland Clinic’s Florida region, is a nonprofit, multi-specialty, academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. With locations in Weston, Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, Parkland, West Palm Beach, Wellington, and Palm Beach Gardens, Cleveland Clinic Weston has more than 250 physicians with expertise in 55 specialties. The medical campus is fully integrated and includes diagnostic centers, outpatient surgery and a 24-hour emergency department located in the state-of-the-art hospital. Cleveland Clinic’s Florida region now includes Cleveland Clinic Indian River and Cleveland Clinic Martin Health and has hospitals and outpatient centers in Broward, Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie Counties. The Florida region is an integral part of Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, where providing outstanding patient care is based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Physicians at Cleveland Clinic are experts in the treatment of complex conditions that are difficult to diagnose. For more information about Cleveland Clinic Florida, visit www.clevelandclinicflorida.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
