‘Big mistake’: Survey finds many men not following doctor’s advice

Leawood, KS – Many men don’t follow their doctors’ advice, despite an increase in chronic conditions, according to the results of a recent survey conducted by the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Researchers polled doctors on the percentage of male patients who complied with specific recommendations, such as keeping follow-up appointments, getting prescriptions filled or taking medication as directed. More than 90 percent of doctors reported that their male patients do not follow recommendations.

The surveyed physicians agreed that “up to half of their male patients” did not:

• Get a regular/routine test for their specific condition.
• Take medicine as directed.
• Show up for a follow-up appointment.
• Fill a prescription.

These findings come after the 2012 and 2013 National Ambulatory Medical Surveys showed increases in high blood pressure (to 36 percent from 32.7), high cholesterol (to 28.5 percent from 23.6) and diabetes (to 16.6 percent from 14.1) among men.

“People may not take these conditions seriously because they don’t have any noticeable symptoms, and that’s a big mistake. High blood pressure and high cholesterol have been called ‘silent killers’ for a reason,” Dr. John Meigs Jr., AAFP president, said in a press release. “It’s vital that men see their doctors, get preventive care and follow instructions for any chronic diseases they may have.”