Coronavirus: men in UAE at greater risk of contracting Covid-19, Seha official warns

Men in the UAE are placing themselves at a greater risk of developing Covid-19 by adopting unhealthy lifestyles, putting off medical appointments and ignoring safety rules, the authorities have warned.

Government statistics revealed that men accounted for 62 per cent of all Covid-19 infections across the Emirates as of November 9.

Dr Ahmed Al Hammadi, an infectious disease consultant at Tawam Hospital and spokesman for Abu Dhabi Health Services Company, Seha, said a variety of factors contributed to the gender health gap.

He said men typically have more pre-existing health conditions, which can lead to higher mortality rates, such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, chronic renal diseases, and cancer.

Men also make up two thirds of the UAE's population.

This gender imbalance is due to the high number of men who emigrate to the UAE for work.

Despite this, Dr Al Hammadi said men were also more likely to  do things that not only increase their likelihood of catching the virus but made them prone to more serious infections.

“They [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,” Dr Al Hammadi said.

“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 said a tendency to delay hospital visits and a desire to adhere to masculine stereotypes could also have played a role in the gender disparity.

“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,” he said.

"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 urged men to book a check-up if they have any concerns 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.

"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."

Although global figures indicate Covid-19 afflicts men and women at a fairly even rate, mortality rates have been found to be higher among men.

Dr Al Hammadi pointed to a stronger immune system as a reason for the lower number of infections for women.

“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 higher numbers of men are exposed to harsh climates and air pollution – such as those in the construction industry – and many 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,” Dr Al Hammadi said.

The wider implications of the pandemic, such as remote working and job security, have also taken a toll on the mental health of people across the globe.

“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.”