American Journal of Men's Health最新文献

The restructuring of gender identities and shifting social expectations of fathers have resulted in increased interest in understanding contemporary discourses about involved fathering. This article contributes to that scholarship by providing a narrative analysis about men's experiences with fatherhood in heterosexual relationships. Drawing from a photovoice study with 16 fathers, we report three discrete but interrelated narratives. The first narrative Sacrifices in being a provider featured fathers' diverse alignments to traditional masculinities as well as investments in contemporary involved fathering. The second narrative Balance in caring encompassed fathers' efforts for adapting to ever-changing parenting responsibilities, and strategies for preserving intimate partnerships and a sense of self amid parenting demands. The final theme, Liberation of contemporary father identities, described participants' reflexive identity [re]construction of masculinity in experiencing fatherhood. These findings highlight a matrix of modern-day fathering expectations and fathers' relational practices in navigating shifting gender relations and masculinities.

Age-related decline in dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate metabolite, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS), affects steroid synthesis in men. DHEA(S) acts as a direct neurosteroid and weak androgen and is the unique steroid unaffected by dutasteride's inhibitory effect on 5α reductases. This study examined the relationship between dutasteride's side effects, specifically erectile dysfunction (ED) and mood disorders, and the age-related decline in DHEAS. The study included 250 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), divided into two age groups (<60 and ≥60 years), and treated with tamsulosin or tamsulosin plus dutasteride. DHEAS levels were measured, and patients were assessed for ED and mood disorders using standardized questionnaires. Some patients experienced worsening ED and mood disorders during the 6-month follow-up period. The study found a correlation between DHEAS levels and erectile function and mood status in both age groups receiving dutasteride combination therapy (p < .05). Regression analyses showed that DHEAS was a positive predictor for ED in older patients treated with tamsulosin (p < .001) and in both age groups receiving dutasteride combination therapy (p < .001). In addition, DHEAS was a significant negative predictor for mood changes in both age groups receiving combination therapy (p < .001). This study suggests that baseline DHEAS levels can predict changes in erectile function and mood status in BPH patients treated with dutasteride therapy. It is, therefore, recommended to perform DHEAS assessment before starting dutasteride treatment in order to reduce the risk of ED and mood disorders.

Male infertility affects millions worldwide, yet its underlying causes remain incompletely understood. Total round cell concentration (TRCC) in semen, particularly leukocytospermia, has been suggested as a biomarker of impaired sperm function. However, its relationship with sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) remains unclear, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where research is scarce. This study examines the prevalence of elevated TRCC and its associations with semen parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation among men attending a fertility clinic in Kumasi, Ghana. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 227 men, with semen samples analyzed following WHO guidelines. Sperm concentration, motility, and morphology were assessed, while TRCC was quantified using a Neubauer hemocytometer and light microscopy. Sperm DNA fragmentation was determined using the Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay, and multivariate logistic regression models were employed to evaluate associations between TRCC and semen quality parameters. Elevated TRCC was detected in 19.4% of participants. Higher TRCC levels were significantly associated with lower odds of oligozoospermia (cOR = 0.30; 95% CI [0.20, 0.92]; p = .030), a relationship that remained significant after adjusting for confounders (aOR = 0.18; 95% CI [0.05, 0.67]; p = .010). However, TRCC was not significantly associated with asthenozoospermia (p = .656) or teratozoospermia (p = .592). Additionally, no correlation was observed between TRCC and sperm DFI (r = .009, p = .958). It can therefore be concluded that the presence of round cells in semen does not influence sperm DNA integrity.

This mixed methods study aimed to first quantitatively compare single fathers' levels of depressive symptoms, coparenting relationship quality, and father-infant bonding with coupled fathers, and then explore single fathers' experiences and needs regarding professional support during the perinatal and early parenting period. Fathers (n = 1,589, of which 25 were single fathers) completed an online survey regarding their depressive symptoms, coparenting relationship, and father-infant bonding. From the quantitative survey, six single fathers (mean age 35 years) consented to participate in an individual digital interview. Mann-Whitney U tests and chi-square tests were used to compare coupled and single fathers, while qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the interviews. Single fathers reported having more depressive symptoms and weaker coparenting relationships compared to coupled fathers but had similar levels of infant bonding. After qualitatively exploring single fathers' professional support needs during the transition to parenthood, one overarching theme was emphasized: Wanting to be an equal parent. This theme broke down into three categories: Desire to be included, Need of support and Relationship with the child. Single fathers can benefit from professional clinical support, where this support helps foster stronger coparenting relationships, improves paternal mental health, and promotes gender equality in parenting. For this to happen, fathers in general, and single fathers specifically, need to be seen as clients, with their own care needs. Guidelines and recommendations should be reviewed and clarified to encourage more egalitarian parenting, including considering giving fathers their own medical records and individualized visits. There is a need for further studies regarding single fathers' experiences and support needs.

Pathogenic variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes increase the relative and absolute risks of developing breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancer. Clinical guidelines recommend cascade screening (CS) to enhance the identification of at-risk relatives. Despite the benefits of CS in facilitating access to appropriate cancer screening and risk-reduction strategies, CS uptake remains relatively low, particularly among at-risk men. Men's decisions regarding CS appear to be driven more by familial rather than individual disease risk, framing the decision as a family duty. Little is known about the motivational factors that could encourage men's participation in CS. This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of two first-person, gain-framed messages in promoting CS intention among at-risk men: one featuring a self-referred narrative (SM) and the other a family-referred narrative (FM). A total of 110 male first-degree relatives of female BRCA1/2 carriers were randomized into two groups. T-tests revealed no significant difference between groups in perceived message quality. Additionally, after controlling for age, the type of message received did not significantly influence participants' levels of intention to undergo CS. These findings highlight the need for further exploration of the complex motivational factors influencing at-risk men's adherence to CS. Future research should consider alternative health communication strategies tailored to different motivational drivers.

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a prevalent psychiatric condition characterized by extreme mood fluctuations between manic and depressive episodes, significantly affecting social and occupational functioning. The etiology of BD is multifactorial, involving genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. While previous research has focused on the genetic and environmental contributors to BD, the role of physical activity as a modifiable lifestyle factor remains underexplored. This study investigates the causal relationship between different types of physical activity, particularly heavy do-it-yourself (DIY) activities, and BD using Mendelian randomization (MR). The study employs MR to examine the causal link between physical activity and BD. Genetic variants associated with various forms of physical activity were selected from large-scale genome-wide association studies. The study uses several MR techniques, including inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger, and weighted median methods, to analyze the relationship between physical activity (e.g., heavy DIY, light DIY, vigorous exercise, and walking) and BD. Instrumental variables were chosen based on their strong association with physical activity and their independence from other potential confounders. The MR analysis revealed a significant causal relationship between heavy DIY activities and reduced BD risk (OR = 0.333; 95% CI [0.111, 0.997]; p = .049). In contrast, no significant causal associations were found for the other types of physical activity examined. The IVW method indicated significant heterogeneity, prompting the use of a random-effects model, which confirmed that the results were not biased by heterogeneity or pleiotropy. Sensitivity analyses, including MR-Egger and MR-PRESSO, showed no significant pleiotropy, reinforcing the reliability of the findings. Leave-One-Out analysis and funnel plots further supported the robustness of the causal estimate. This study provides compelling evidence for the protective role of heavy DIY activities in reducing the risk of BD, suggesting that high-intensity physical activities may have a beneficial impact on mood regulation and the prevention of BD. The findings highlight the importance of considering gender differences in physical activity interventions for BD prevention and management. Future research should explore the neurobiological mechanisms underlying this association and further investigate the effectiveness of different types of physical activities in BD prevention and treatment strategies.

Lower-limb explosive power is crucial for sprinters and jumpers, directly influencing performance in speed and jumping ability. Traditional strength training approaches often fail to maintain explosive power in the long term, particularly after periods of detraining. Investigating training methods that can both enhance and sustain lower-limb explosive power is important for improving athletic performance. This study aimed to examine the effects of a 6-week plyometric training program on enhancing and maintaining lower-limb explosive power in sprinters. Forty male sprinters were randomly assigned to either an experimental (plyometric training) or a control (traditional strength training) group (age: 20.2 ± 1.6 years, height: 182 ± 6.2 cm, weight: 72.1 ± 5.3 kg). Training was conducted three times per week for 6 weeks, followed by a 2-week detraining period. Lower-limb explosive power was assessed using the mean power in the squat jump and countermovement jump, 30 m sprints, 100 m sprints, standing long jumps, and standing triple jumps at baseline, post-training, and after the detraining phase. A significant group-by-time interaction effect was observed for key performance indicators, including squat jump power (η_p² = .173, p < .001) and 30 m sprint time (η_p² = .315, p < .001). Post-training, the plyometric group significantly increased squat jump power by 28.5% (p < .001) and was faster than the control group in the 30 m sprint (p < .05). After the 2-week detraining period, the plyometric group's performance in vertical jumps and the 100 m sprint remained significantly higher than baseline (p < .01), an effect not observed in the control group for sprint performance. Plyometric training significantly enhanced lower-limb explosive power and demonstrated strong retention of these gains after a 2-week detraining period. These adaptations appear more longer-lasting than those from traditional strength training, particularly for the specific demands of sprinting. These findings provide valuable insights for designing training regimens to achieve lasting improvements in explosive performance for athletes.

Presenteeism, defined as attending work despite physical or mental health issues that impair full productivity, is a prevalent concern with significant implications for workplace efficiency and employee well-being. Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, plays a vital role in sustaining physical energy, cognitive function, and emotional stability-key factors for optimal work performance. This study explores the association between late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) and presenteeism, emphasizing how LOH-related symptoms such as fatigue, reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and mood disturbances may contribute to reduced workplace productivity. Data from 96 male patients aged 27 to 76 years, who sought treatment at a university hospital for LOH-related symptoms, were analyzed using blood tests and validated questionnaires, including the Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) scale, Work Functioning Impairment Scale (WFun), and Sexual Health Inventory for Men. Significant correlations were observed between AMS scores and both work functioning impairment and erectile dysfunction, indicating a strong link between LOH symptoms and presenteeism. In addition, symptoms such as fatigue, diminished motivation, and poor sleep quality were identified as exacerbating factors for work-related impairments. The greatest strength of this study lies in its focus on clinically diagnosed LOH patients, a factor that significantly distinguishes it from prior research on presenteeism in general working populations. This study underscores the potential benefits of testosterone replacement therapy, lifestyle modifications, and workplace wellness programs in addressing presenteeism among employees with LOH. Further research is necessary to assess the efficacy of these interventions in mitigating presenteeism and improving employee well-being.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a multifactorial disorder that significantly impacts men's physical and mental health, as well as their interpersonal relationships, and traditional treatment options for this condition still face many challenges and limitations. This study aimed to identify key genetic factors associated with ED risk through Mendelian randomization analysis by integrating data from expression quantitative trait loci and protein quantitative trait loci across multiple cohorts. We also evaluated the roles of metabolic pathways using data from 1,400 plasma metabolites. Single-cell RNA sequencing (ScRNA-Seq) was used to analyze gene expression patterns of ED-related genes in various cell types, while molecular docking was employed to identify potential drug targets. Our findings indicate that DKK3 plays a protective role (OR = 0.8555, p = .0087), while SLAMF6 is associated with increased ED risk (OR = 1.2613, p = .0433). Metabolites such as piperine and choline phosphate mediate ED onset. ScRNA-Seq reveals reduced DKK3 expression in endothelial and smooth muscle cells and increased SLAMF6 expression in T cells, highlighting the roles of vascular homeostasis imbalance and immune dysregulation in ED pathogenesis. Molecular docking screens four small molecules, including icariin, luteolin, Danshenol A, and Danshenxinkun A as potential therapeutic agents. This study identified DKK3 and SLAMF6 as novel therapeutic targets for ED, provided a foundation for precision medicine based on vascular-immune regulation, and underscored the need for further mechanistic studies and clinical validation.