SEHA officials have warned that men in the UAE are putting themselves at higher risk of contracting Covid-19 by adopting unhealthy lifestyles, postponing medical check-ups and ignoring safety regulations. As per government statistics, as of November 9 men constitute 62% of all Covid-19 cases across the country.

Dr Ahmed Al Hammadi, an infectious disease consultant at Tawam Hospital and spokesman for Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) said that various factors contributed to this gender predisposition. He said as men usually have more pre-existing health conditions, such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, chronic renal diseases, and cancer, they have higher mortality rates. Furthermore, men constitute 2/3^rd of population in UAE. This is because of more men immigrating to UAE for employment. Dr. Al Hammadi said, “The men are more prone to engage in higher risk activities such as smoking, alcohol consumption and closer social interaction, for example at sporting events, and in bars and clubs."

“Smoking, especially, is seen as a risk factor for having serious complications to Covid-19 as it damages healthy lungs and exposes them to more serious complications and respiratory failure,” he added.

He said, “Social expectations and stereotypes around masculinity could make men less likely to obey rules such as social distancing, wearing masks and regular washing of their hands.” “It is a combination of multiple socioeconomic, social and biological factors. Men in general tend to ignore health conditions and delay hospital or clinic visits more than women.”

“They sometimes tend to take symptoms less seriously, leading to delayed diagnosis and consequent further damage.” Dr. Al Hammadi urges males to book for medical appointments if they are concerned about their health. “Many chronic and life-threatening illnesses that affect men are those that do not present with symptoms immediately and are only diagnosed through regular check-ups,” he said.

He added, “During the Covid-19 pandemic, delayed diagnosis of heart attacks, strokes and other diseases can lead to bad health outcomes that could be otherwise prevented.”

Global data shows that though Cvid-19 affects men and women at same rate, mortality rate has been found to be higher in men.

Dr. Al Hammadi says that reason of lesser mortality in women is due to their high immunity. He says, “Many reports show that women have a stronger innate immune system compared to men. This may be because of female hormones, as females have demonstrated stronger immune responses to the virus, leading to a shorter period of illness and milder symptoms.”

Dr Al Hammadi said men are exposed to harsh climates and air pollution more and have poorer nutrition than women. “Healthy nutrition is important to provide essential components for the immune systems such as vitamins, antioxidants and proteins which are needed to build a good immune system,” he said.

The pandemic impact, such as remote working and job security, have also impacted people’s mental health globally. “Awareness around mental health is important but seeking out help from professionals or speaking to loved ones is far more important,” said Dr Al Hammadi. “There are several health departments and initiatives that have been undertaken in the UAE for this purpose and it is advisable to seek them out where help is needed.”