American Journal of Men's Health最新文献

{"title":"Male Factors Associated With Success Following Assisted Reproduction Technology Among Infertile Couples in Ghana.","authors":"Issac Kofi Adu, Victor Boachie Owusu, Eric K Amoako, Gordon N A Attoh, Emmanuel K Asiedu, Moses Banyeh, Issah Zabsonre Alhassan, Nafiu Amidu","doi":"10.1177/15579883261430887","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15579883261430887","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are increasingly utilized in Ghana, as treatment options for couples with infertility, including male factor infertility. While extensive research has focused on female determinants of ART success, comparatively fewer studies have systematically examined the contribution of male partner characteristics beyond routine semen analysis to clinical pregnancy outcomes following ART. The paucity in research is more pronounced in Ghana. This was a cross-sectional study, conducted at the Chosen Hospital and Fertility Centre between January 2024 and March 2025. The study population comprised 198 male partners of women seeking ART services at the hospital, aged between 30 and 61 years. Baseline data were collected from the male partners before initiation of the ART procedure. The sociodemographic, anthropometric, and clinical data of the men were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and medical records. Venous blood samples were then collected before ART and analyzed for fasting lipids, glucose, complete blood count, liver, and renal function tests. Semen samples were also collected after 3 to 7 days of abstinence and analyzed. Following the ART procedure, 126 (63.6%) of the women tested positive for pregnancy. The sociodemographic, anthropometric, hematological, biochemical, and seminal variables were compared between ART outcomes. The mean ± standard deviation of serum chloride level in mmol/L was higher in males whose partners tested negative for post-ART pregnancy compared to those who tested positive (101.3±3.5 vs 99.9±2.6, P=0.026). No significant disparities in the other variables were observed between the groups. The findings suggest that, although chloride is essential for normal spermatogenesis, high levels of serum chloride could be detrimental to sperm quality. Routine electrolyte measurements of male partners of infertile couples should be performed before ART procedure.</p>","PeriodicalId":7429,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Men's Health","volume":"20 2","pages":"15579883261430887"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13009934/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147484211","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Association Between Metabolic Syndrome and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Wenfeng Gao, Yingbo Guo, Xudong Yu, Tao Zhang, Huijie Gong, Yaosheng Zhang","doi":"10.1177/15579883261436335","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15579883261436335","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of this study is to systematically evaluate the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and key clinical parameters of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), including International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), prostate volume (PV), and the prevalence of MetS among men with BPH. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library was conducted from inception to March 31, 2025, with the search implementation completed on April 5, 2025 for all databases. Observational studies comparing BPH patients with and without MetS were included. Random-effects models were used to pool standardized mean differences (SMDs), mean differences (MDs), and prevalence estimates. Heterogeneity, publication bias, subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, and meta-regression were performed according to prespecified criteria. Ten studies involving 3,947 BPH patients met the inclusion criteria. Pooled analyses demonstrated that MetS was associated with larger prostate volume (PV) and a tendency toward higher IPSS, although the latter showed substantial variability across studies. The prevalence of MetS among BPH patients was high, with considerable geographic and temporal variation. Subgroup analyses indicated that sample size influenced effect estimates, and meta-regression identified age, sample size, and publication year as contributors to heterogeneity. MetS is closely associated with prostate enlargement and symptom burden in men with BPH. These findings highlight the metabolic-urological interplay and support the integration of metabolic assessment into BPH management strategies. Large-scale prospective studies are needed to clarify causality and evaluate whether metabolic interventions can alter BPH progression.</p>","PeriodicalId":7429,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Men's Health","volume":"20 2","pages":"15579883261436335"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13051086/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147607538","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Endothelial Dysfunction and Erectile Dysfunction: Evidence From EASIX Score in NHANES 2001-2004.","authors":"Peng Cheng, Zhi-Qiang Li, Ya-Jun Shen, Wei Xu","doi":"10.1177/15579883261441858","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15579883261441858","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common male health condition and is increasingly recognised as an early marker of systemic vascular dysfunction. The Endothelial Activation and Stress Index (EASIX), calculated from lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine, and platelet count, reflects endothelial injury and microvascular stress, yet its relationship with ED has not been well characterised in population-based studies. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001-2004, this cross-sectional analysis included 3,540 adult men with available laboratory and questionnaire data. Survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression models were employed to evaluate the association between EASIX and ED, with additional subgroup and interaction analyses performed to examine potential effect modification. Overall, 999 participants (28.22%) reported ED. Higher EASIX levels were independently associated with greater odds of ED across progressively adjusted models. In the fully adjusted model, each one-unit increase in log2-transformed EASIX was associated with a 31% higher likelihood of ED (odds ratio [OR] = 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.07, 1.61]). Significant interactions were observed by age, race, poverty-income ratio (PIR), and hypertension status. Positive associations were particularly evident among men older than 50 years, non-Hispanic White individuals, those with higher socioeconomic status (PIR >3.5), and participants with hypertension. These findings suggest that elevated EASIX is independently associated with ED in U.S. adult men and that this association varies across key demographic and clinical subgroups, highlighting the potential relevance of endothelial dysfunction in male sexual health.</p>","PeriodicalId":7429,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Men's Health","volume":"20 2","pages":"15579883261441858"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13111830/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147759485","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Selective Disclosure, Barriers to Care, and Masculinity Norms Among Male First Responders: A MANifest Health Theory-Informed Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Julian Leandro Gallegos, Evans Appiah Osei","doi":"10.1177/15579883261433805","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15579883261433805","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Male first responders face high occupational stress and health risks, influenced by structural barriers and masculine norms. This cross-sectional study examined men's health knowledge, perceived barriers to care, traditional masculinity norms, and health behaviors among 102 male first responders. Descriptive statistics were computed, and nonparametric tests and Spearman correlations evaluated associations with key outcomes, including omission of pertinent health information during clinical encounters. Scale reliability was strong (men's health knowledge α = 0.92; barriers α = 0.77; masculinity norms α = 0.78). Mean age was 44.9 years (<i>SD</i> 13.5); mean BMI was 30.8 (<i>SD</i> 5.6, <i>n</i> = 84), with 53.6% classified as obese/severely obese. A total of 22.0% (<i>n</i> = 91) endorsed Yes/Maybe to having omitted pertinent health information from a provider. Men endorsing omission reported higher overall barriers (Mann-Whitney, <i>p</i> = .0268, <i>r</i> = .325), driven by lack of time (pFDR = .0055, <i>r</i> = .453) and limited awareness of services (pFDR = .0467, <i>r</i> = .332). Traditional masculinity norms differed by occupation (Kruskal-Wallis, <i>p</i> = .00211, ε² = .117), with police scoring higher than firefighters and EMS. Provider satisfaction was inversely associated with barriers (ρ = -.273, pFDR = .0206) and masculinity norms (ρ = -.295, pFDR = .0142). Diet and exercise correlated positively with self-rated health and body image, whereas BMI correlated negatively. Findings support MANifest Health Theory: selective disclosure is shaped by \"maintenance friction\" (time/awareness barriers) interacting with masculinity-aligned identity needs. Interventions reducing access friction and framing care as readiness maintenance may improve disclosure.</p>","PeriodicalId":7429,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Men's Health","volume":"20 2","pages":"15579883261433805"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13039584/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147580294","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Guangsi Yulin Decoction Inhibits Oxidative Stress and Inflammation-Induced Spermatogenesis Dysfunction <i>via</i> the <i>PTEN</i>/<i>PI3K</i>/<i>AKT</i>/<i>FoxO1</i> Pathway.","authors":"Xiangfa Lin, Junlong Feng, Haoran Chang, Hui Chen, Nianwen Huang, Kecheng Li, Maoke Chen, Haisong Li, Lu Wang, Jisheng Wang","doi":"10.1177/15579883261427164","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15579883261427164","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Guangsi Yulin Decoction (GSYLD) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula with therapeutic efficacy against spermatogenesis dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanism of the alleviation remains unclear. To investigate the effects of GSYLD on <i>Tripterygium wilfordii</i> polyglycolide (GTW)-induced spermatogenesis dysfunction in mice and to explore associated mechanisms, particularly its role in oxidative stress and inflammation. A total of 60 (7-8-week-old) BALB/c mice were grouped into control (NC), model (GTW), low-dose GSYLD (GSYLD-L, 0.27 g/kg/d), high-dose GSYLD (GSYLD-H, 1.08 g/kg/d), and PTEN inhibitor (1.08 g/kg/d GSYLD-H + 0.3 mg/kg PTEN inhibitor). After eight weeks, the model was validated, and semen quality was evaluated by assessing sperm vitality and concentration. Testicular tissues were analyzed by H&E staining, while Western blotting and RT-qPCR (Reverse Transcription Quantitative PCR) were used to assess the therapeutic efficacy of the GSYLD. In comparison to the GTW group, the GSYLD-H group showed a significant improvement in sperm vitality and concentration (<i>p</i> < .01). GSYLD upregulated <i>PI3K</i>, <i>AKT</i>, and <i>FoxO1</i>, while downregulating <i>PTEN</i> mRNA expression (<i>p</i> < .001). A parallel recovery was observed at the protein level. Specifically, the GSYLD-H group exhibited a significant amelioration of oxidative stress and inflammation, marked by reduced MDA, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels (<i>p</i> < .01) and enhanced SOD activity (<i>p</i> < .001) relative to the GTW group. GSYLD alleviated GTW-induced spermatogenesis dysfunction, potentially through <i>PTEN</i>/<i>PI3K</i>/<i>AKT</i>/<i>FoxO1</i>-mediated regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation.</p>","PeriodicalId":7429,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Men's Health","volume":"20 2","pages":"15579883261427164"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12979863/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147429885","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Qianlie Beixi Capsules Ameliorate Diabetes-Induced Erectile Dysfunction via Modulation of the HIF-1α/VEGF Signaling Pathway: Evidence From an in Vivo Study.","authors":"Longji Sun, Zhechao Lin, Junlong Feng, Weidong Feng, Pengming Mao, Chao Yang, Zixiang Gao, Lu Wang","doi":"10.1177/15579883261433804","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15579883261433804","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Diabetic-induced erectile dysfunction (DIED) is a frequent complication of diabetes mellitus. Qianlie Beixi Capsules, a formulation of traditional Chinese medicine, have long been used for its management. The effectiveness of Qianlie Beixi Capsules in treating DIED was evaluated together with an exploration of their possible mechanism of action. Streptozotocin (STZ) was administered to rats to induce diabetes, with confirmation of erectile dysfunction using apomorphine (APO). The animals were allocated to six groups: the blank control (NC), model (M), Qianlie Beixi Capsules low-dose (QD), Qianlie Beixi Capsules medium-dose (QZ), Qianlie Beixi Capsules high-dose (QG), and HIF-1α inhibitor (YC) groups. After 2 weeks of treatment, serum levels of testosterone (T), Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1), and Endothelial Microparticles (EMPs) were measured. Penile histology was analyzed for structural alterations. Furthermore, Western blotting and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were utilized to assess levels of mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase(p70s6k), hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha(HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS ) in the corpus cavernosum. The QZ and QG groups demonstrated markedly increased penile erection frequency relative to the model rats (<i>p</i> < .05). Histological analyses revealed increased smooth muscle cell densities, reduced collagen deposition, and a decrease in erythrocytes within the blood sinuses in these groups. Expression of HIF-1α and VEGF proteins was significantly reduced (<i>p</i> < .05), while eNOS expression was elevated (<i>p</i> < .05). Moreover, serum levels of LOX-1 and EMPs were markedly reduced (<i>p</i> < .05) in the QZ and QG groups. Qianlie Beixi Capsules improve DIED by modifying the mTOR/HIF-1α/VEGF signaling axis, which additionally increases penile endothelial function and reduces endothelial fibrosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":7429,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Men's Health","volume":"20 2","pages":"15579883261433804"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13065283/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147637731","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy and Safety of TESTOPEAK^™ in Improving Symptoms of Andropause in Korean Men: An 8-Week, Single-Center, Randomized, Parallel-Group, Placebo-Controlled Trial.","authors":"Han Ol Kwon, Seung Ho Lee, Gyo In, Seung Ho So, Sung Lye Shim, Kyoung Hwa Jang, Jong Han Kim","doi":"10.1177/15579883261423878","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15579883261423878","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>TESTOPEAK^™ (KGC08EA; Korea Ginseng Corporation, Daejeon, Korea) has been developed to improve the symptoms of andropause. This 8-week, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study was conducted to assess its efficacy and safety in improving the symptoms of andropause in Korean men. The eligible subjects were randomized either to the trial group or the control group, followed by an 8-week treatment period. The subjects of the trial group (<i>n</i> = 48) and those of the control group (<i>n</i> = 48) were orally given a tablet of TESTOPEAK^™ and its matching placebo, respectively, at a dose of 500 mg/day once daily in the morning within 30 min after meal during an 8-week treatment period. Efficacy outcome measures include differences in changes in the Aging Male's Symptoms (AMS) scores, the Androgen Deficiency in Aging Male (ADAM) scores, the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores, hormone biomarker levels, lipid biomarker levels and body compositions at 8 weeks from baseline between the two treatment arms. Incidences of adverse events (AEs) served as safety outcome measures. There were significant differences in changes in the AMS scores, the ADAM scores, the IIEF scores, total testosterone, free testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels and visceral and total fat area at 8 weeks from baseline between the two groups (<i>p</i> < .05). Moreover, there were no cases of AEs in each treatment group. TESTOPEAK^™ is an effective, safe natural compound in alleviating symptoms of andropause in middle-aged or elderly men.</p>","PeriodicalId":7429,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Men's Health","volume":"20 2","pages":"15579883261423878"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13051131/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147589374","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors Affecting Vaccination Intentions of Adult Males Against Human Papillomavirus in Taiwan: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Min-Ling Lin, Chiu-Yen Chen, Hung-Hui Chen, Shu-Ju Chiu, Jerry Cheng-Yen Lai, Kuei-Hui Chu","doi":"10.1177/15579883261430890","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15579883261430890","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigates factors associated with adult males' vaccination intentions against human papillomavirus. A cross-sectional survey design was used. This study was conducted primarily in northern Taiwan with 217 mentally and physically healthy males aged 20 years and above. Structured questionnaires were utilized to collect data on demographic characteristics, HPV and vaccine knowledge (nine items), attitudes toward HPV vaccination (nine items), and vaccination intention; higher scores indicated more positive attitudes. Average participant age was 27.64 ± 7.43 years. Multiple hierarchical regression analysis, controlling for demographic variables, revealed that both HPV and vaccine knowledge and attitudes toward HPV vaccination significantly and jointly influenced vaccination intention (ΔF = 138.81, <i>p</i> < .001), explaining 54.1% of the variance. Only attitude toward HPV vaccination (β = .71, <i>p</i> < .001) showed a significant positive regression coefficient; a more positive attitude toward HPV vaccination corresponds to a higher vaccination intention. Attitudes toward HPV vaccination are a pivotal determinant of males' vaccination intentions against HPV. Elevating trust in the vaccine and disseminating precise, comprehensive information is crucial in fostering male vaccination uptake. Strategic initiatives should be devised to improve male HPV awareness, thus increasing their vaccination uptake.</p>","PeriodicalId":7429,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Men's Health","volume":"20 2","pages":"15579883261430890"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13018675/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147508574","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Awareness and Knowledge of Penile Cancer Among University Students in Ghana.","authors":"Esther Selasi Avinu, Richmond Nana Yaw Yeboah, Frank Bediako Agyei, Bernard Elikplim Petershie","doi":"10.1177/15579883261443703","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15579883261443703","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Penile cancer is a rare but preventable malignancy with disproportionately high burden in low- and middle-income countries. In Ghana, data on knowledge of penile cancer among university students, where health information dissemination can have a broader public health impact, are limited. This study assessed penile cancer awareness among university students in Ghana, focusing on knowledge of risk factors, symptoms, and prevention, and identifying misconceptions and perceived barriers to care. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 781 tertiary students at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and Presbyterian University, Ghana (PUG) between April and July 2025. Data were collected using a web-based, self-administered questionnaire administered via Google Forms, and analyzed using Stata version 14, with a focus on descriptive analysis only. Results were summarized using descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages for categorical variables and means with standard deviations for continuous variables. Overall awareness of penile cancer was relatively high (613, 78.5%); however, detailed knowledge was limited. Only 299 (38.3%) of the respondents were aware of its causes, 371 (47.5%) recognized symptoms, and 282 (36.1%) knew prevention methods, while 625 (80.0%) reported never having received formal education on the topic. Human papillomavirus infection (508, 65.0%) and poor genital hygiene (471, 60.0%) were the most commonly identified risk factors. Misconceptions were widespread, and 365 (60.3%) of respondents perceived stigma as a barrier to seeking information or care, despite 689 (93.0%) expressing a desire for further education. Penile cancer awareness among tertiary students in Ghana remains suboptimal, with misconceptions and stigma posing barriers to timely care. Targeted, youth-friendly educational interventions within tertiary institutions are needed to improve knowledge, reduce stigma, and promote early presentation, thereby reducing the disease burden in Ghana and similar settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":7429,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Men's Health","volume":"20 2","pages":"15579883261443703"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13145055/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147759539","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Self-Organized Men's Mental Health and Well-Being Groups-An Emerging Social Development.","authors":"Richard Gater, Jonathan Scourfield, Rhiannon Evans, Paul Willis","doi":"10.1177/15579883261426876","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15579883261426876","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Men's mental health is a national and global concern amid consistently higher suicide rates and rising demand and long waiting times for state-funded services. Simultaneously, groups supporting men's health and well-being, such as Men's Sheds and community-led self-help and peer-support initiatives, have expanded. Despite their growth, research on the role of men's peer-support groups in tackling mental health is still in the early stages, with limited understanding of how they function. To begin to address this gap, we surveyed men's mental health and well-being groups throughout Wales (UK) in 2024, to describe their target audience, theoretical basis, activities, and delivery strategies. The online survey included fixed-response items and open-ended questions. Topics covered included group activities, participation frequency, types and numbers of participants, purposes and beliefs, structure and staffing, barriers, and publicity methods. Only 40% of groups reported offering practical activities while 79% reported promoting emotional openness, which could suggest a fairly direct approach to encouraging men to share personal thoughts and experiences is now more widespread than a \"health by stealth\" approach based around practical activities. Many groups reported rising participation despite operating without formally trained or salaried staff. Research is needed to understand how groups can be optimally delivered to achieve a balance between maintaining informal support structures and ensuring quality control. Further evidence is needed on a range of aspects, including group members' experiences in these groups, program theory in practice, and the effectiveness of the groups in improving mental health.</p>","PeriodicalId":7429,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Men's Health","volume":"20 2","pages":"15579883261426876"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13039582/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147580252","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}