Library of Resources for Men’s Health
When it comes to prevention and early detection, men are 24 percent less likely than women to visit a health professional for a medical appointment and 22 percent more likely than women to have neglected their cholesterol tests.1
- Breathing Conditions
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Digestive System Conditions
- Heart and Blood Vessel Conditions
- Mental Health
- Muscle, Bone, and Joint Conditions
Breathing Conditions
This category includes diseases such as obstructive sleep apnea and cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other common chronic lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, refractory asthma, and bronchiectasis. In all cases, damage or blockage of the airways interferes with the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in lungs.
Resources for Clinicians
Comparative Effectiveness Reviews:
- A Review of Quality of Care Evaluation for the Palliation of Dyspnea
- Assessment and Management of Chronic Cough
- Breathing Exercises and/or Retraining Techniques in the Treatment of Asthma: Comparative Effectiveness
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults
- Interventions To Modify Health Care Provider Adherence to Asthma Guidelines
- Mortality Risk in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients Using Theophylline
- Treatments for Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
- Outcomes Associated With Tiotropium use in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients
Other Research Reports:
Clinician Research Summaries:
- Comparative Effectiveness of Diagnosis and Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults
- Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation for Acute Respiratory Failure: Comparative Effectiveness
- Subcutaneous and Sublingual Immunotherapy To Treat Allergic Rhinitis/Rhinoconjunctivitis and Asthma
- Use of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone for Pediatric Patients With Cystic Fibrosis
CME/CE Activities:
- Comparative Effectiveness of Diagnosis and Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Effectiveness of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone (rhGH) in the Treatment of Patients With Cystic Fibrosis
- Guidance for Informed and Shared Decision Making about Diagnostic Tools and Treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation for Acute Respiratory Failure: Comparative Effectiveness
Slide Library:
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults
- Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation for Acute Respiratory Failure: Comparative Effectiveness
- Subcutaneous and Sublingual Immunotherapy To Treat Allergic Rhinitis/Rhinoconjunctivitis and Asthma
Resources for Patients
Patient Treatment Summaries:
- Allergy Shots and Allergy Drops for Adults and Children
- Treating Sleep Apnea: A Review of the Research for Adults (En Español)
Podcasts:
Cancer
Cancer is a term for a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. Cancers are described based on the origin of the tumor, including:
- Carcinoma: Cancers derived from epithelial cells, for example breast, prostate, lung, pancreas, and colon
- Sarcoma: Cancers arising from connective tissue
- Lymphoma and leukemia: Cancers arising from hematopoietic cells that leave the marrow and tend to mature in the lymph nodes and blood, respectively
- Germ cell tumor: Cancers derived from pluripotent cells, most often presenting in the testicle or the ovary
- Blastoma: Cancers derived from immature precursor cells or embryonic tissue
Resources for Clinicians
Comparative Effectiveness Reviews:
- Comparative Effectiveness of Epoetin and Darbepoetin for Managing Anemia in Patients Undergoing Cancer Treatment–An Update to the 2006 Report
- Comparative Effectiveness of Therapies for Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer
- Epoetin and Darbepoetin for Managing Anemia in Patients Undergoing Cancer Treatment: Comparative Effectiveness Update
- Local Hepatic Therapies for Metastases to the Liver From Unresectable Colorectal Cancer
- Local Nonsurgical Therapies for Stage I and Symptomatic Obstructive Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
- Local Therapies for Unresectable Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma
- Serum Free Light Chain Analysis for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prognosis of Plasma Cell Dyscrasias
Clinician Research Summaries:
- Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Radiotherapy Treatments for Head and Neck Cancer
- Treatments for Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer
CME/CE Activities:
- A Case Study in Prostate Cancer Treatment: Utilizing Comparative Effectiveness Research for Patient-Centered Decisionmaking
- Comparative Effectiveness of Therapies for Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer: Weighing the Options
Slide Library:
Resources for Patient
Patient Treatment Summaries:
- Treating Prostate Cancer (En Español)
- Understanding Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer: A Guide for Adults and Their Caregivers (En Español)
Patient Decision Aids:
Podcasts:
Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus, often referred to simply as diabetes, is a group of metabolic diseases in which there are high levels of sugar in the blood, either because the body does not produce enough insulin or because cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced. There are three main types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Resources for Clinicians
Comparative Effectiveness Reviews:
- Comparative Effectiveness, Safety and Indications of Pre-mixed Insulin Analogues for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
- Methods for Insulin Delivery and Glucose Monitoring: Comparative Effectiveness
- Oral Diabetes Medications for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: An Update
- Use of Electronic Medical Records and Administrative Claims Data for Assessing Type 2 Diabetes Care
- Who Uses Exenatide For Glucose Control in Diabetes Mellitus? A Retrospective Cohort Study of a New Therapy
Clinician Research Summaries:
- Comparing Medications for Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
- Insulin Delivery and Glucose Monitoring Methods for Diabetes Mellitus: Comparative Effectiveness
- Premixed Insulin Analogues: A Comparison With Other Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes
CME/CE Activities:
- Comparing Medicines for Type 2 Diabetes
- Comparing the Benefits and Risks of Oral Medications for Type 2 Diabetes: An Interactive, Case-Based Approach
- Insulin Delivery and Glucose Monitoring Methods for Diabetes Mellitus: Comparative Effectiveness
- Management of an Adult with Type 2 Diabetes with Antidiabetic Medications: A Case Scenario
- Practical Application of Shared and Informed Treatment Decisions Based on Comparative Effectiveness Research: Addressing the Needs of Underserved Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Slide Library:
- Comparing Medications for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
- Insulin Delivery and Glucose Monitoring Methods for Diabetes Mellitus: Comparative Effectiveness
- Management of an Adult with Type 2 Diabetes with Antidiabetic Medications: A Case Scenario
Webcasts:
Resources for Patients
Patient Research Summaries:
- Medicines for Type 2 Diabetes: A Review of the Research for Adults (En Español)
- Methods for Delivering Insulin and Monitoring Blood Sugar: A Review of the Research for Children, Teens, and Adults With Diabetes (En Español)
- Premixed Insulin for Type 2 Diabetes: A Guide for Adults (En Español)
Podcasts:
- Comparing Type 2 Diabetes Treatments
- Diabetes Pill Use is Up–Insulin Use is Down
- How to Manage Chronic Diseases
- Aprenda a controlar la diabetes
- Controle su diabetes
- Diabetes gestacional
- Diabetes y la gripe
- Pastillas para la diabetes tipo 2
- Tratamientos para la diabetes tipo 2
Digestive System Conditions
Chronic disorders and diseases of the digestive system include gastroesophageal reflux disease, ulcers, Crohn's disease, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Resources for Clinicians
Comparative Effectiveness Reviews:
- Adjuvant Treatment for Phenylketonuria (PKU)
- Comparative Effectiveness of Management Strategies for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease – an Update to the 2005 Report
- Wireless Motility Capsule Versus Other Diagnostic Technologies for Evaluating Gastroparesis and Constipation: A Comparative Effectiveness Review
Clinician Research Summaries:
CME/CE Activities:
Slide Library:
Resources for Patients
Patient Research Summaries:
Podcasts:
Heart and Blood Vessel Conditions
The overarching terms for a variety of diseases affecting the heart and vasculature, including:
- Coronary heart disease
- Cardiomyopathy
- Cardiovascular disease
- Ischemic heart disease
- Heart failure
- Hypertensive heart disease
- Inflammatory heart disease
Resources for Clinicians
Comparative Effectiveness Reviews:
- Adjunctive Devices for Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
- AHRQ's Comparative Effectiveness Research on Lipid-Modifying Therapies
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEIs), Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists (ARBs), and Direct Renin Inhibitors for Treating Essential Hypertension: An Update
- Comparative Effectiveness of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEIs), Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists (ARBs), and Direct Renin Inhibitors for Treating Essential Hypertension – An Update of the 2007 Report
- Comparative Effectiveness of In-Hospital Off-Label Use of Recombinant Factor VIIa vs. Usual Care
- Dietary Supplements in Adults Taking Cardiovascular Drugs
- Interventions To Improve Cardiovascular Risk Factors in People With Serious Mental Illness
- Intravascular Diagnostic Procedures and Imaging Techniques Versus Angiography Alone in Coronary Artery Stenting: Comparative Effectiveness Review
- Pharmacologic and Mechanical Prophylaxis of Venous Thromboembolism Among Special Populations
- Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Screening, Management, and Treatment
- Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring: Comparative Effectiveness
- Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation
- Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation
- Treatment Strategies for Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease
- Updates on the Treatment of Essential Hypertension: A Summary of AHRQ's Comparative Effectiveness Review of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors, Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers, and Direct Renin Inhibitors
- Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Orthopedic Surgery
Clinician Research Summaries:
- ACEIs, ARBs, or DRI for Adults With Hypertension
- Adding ACEIs and/or ARBs to Standard Therapy for Stable Ischemic Heart Disease: Benefits and Harms
- Adjunctive Devices in PCI To Remove Thrombi or Protect Against Distal Embolization in Patients With ACS
- Effectiveness of Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring in Adults With Hypertension
- Management of Atherosclerotic Renal Artery Stenosis
- Radiofrequency Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
- Treating Cholesterol With Combination Therapy
- Use Versus Nonuse of Dietary Supplements in Adults Taking Cardiovascular Drugs
- Utilization and Clinical Data on In-Hospital Off-Label Uses of Recombinant Factor VIIa
- Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Orthopedic Surgery
CME/CE Activities:
- ACEIs, ARBs, or DRI for Adults With Hypertension
- Adjunctive Devices for Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
- AHRQ's Comparative Effectiveness Research on Lipid-Modifying Therapies
- Comparative Effectiveness of In-Hospital Off-Label Use of Recombinant Factor VIIa vs. Usual Care
- Dietary Supplements in Adults taking Cardiovascular Drugs: A Comparative Effectiveness Review
- Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring
- Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Orthopedic Surgery
Slide Library:
- ACEIs, ARBs, or DRI for Adults With Hypertension
- Adjunctive Devices for Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEIs), Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists (ARBs), or Direct Renin Inhibitors (DRI) for Adults With Hypertension
- Comparative Effectiveness of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and/or Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers Added to Standard Medical Therapy for Treating Patients With Stable Ischemic Heart Disease and Preserved Left Ventricular Systolic Function
- Comparative Effectiveness of In-Hospital Use of Recombinant Factor VIIa for Off-Label Indications vs. Usual Care
- Management of the Patient with Stable Ischemic Heart Disease and Preserved Left Ventricular Systolic Function
- Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring
- Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Orthopedic Surgery
Webcasts:
- Applying Existing Evidence to Cardiac Care
- Carotid Revascularization: Present Patterns of Use, What Will the Future Hold?
Resources for Patients
Patient Research Summaries:
- “ACE Inhibitors” and “ARBs” To Protect Your Heart? (En Español)
- Choosing Medicines for High Blood Pressure: A Review of the Research on ACEs, ARBs, and DRIs (En Español)
- Measuring Your Blood Pressure at Home: A Review of the Research for Adults (En Español)
- Preventing Blood Clots After Hip or Knee Replacement Surgery or Surgery for a Broken Hip: A Review of the Research for Adults (En Español)
- Radiofrequency Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: A Guide for Adults (En Español)
- Renal Artery Stenosis Treatments (En Español)
- Taking Dietary Supplements With Heart, Blood Pressure, or Cholesterol Medicines: A Review of the Research for Adults
- Treating High Cholesterol (En Español)
Podcasts:
- Comparing Blood Pressure Medicines
- How to Manage Chronic Diseases
- Treating High Cholesterol
- Treating Stable Coronary Heart Disease
- Using Proton-Pump Inhibitors with Blood Thinners
Mental Health
Chronic mental health issues, such as depression and schizophrenia, are debilitating for those who experience them and extremely distressing for family members and caregivers. While the exact cause of these diseases remains unclear, it is thought that a combination of neurotransmitter imbalances plus genetic predisposition may contribute.
Resources for Clinicians
Comparative Effectiveness Reviews:
- Efficacy and Safety of Screening for Postpartum Depression
- Evaluation of Effectiveness and Safety of Antiepileptic Medications in Patients with Epilepsy
- First-Generation Versus Second-Generation Antipsychotics in Adults: Comparative Effectiveness
- Interventions for Adult Offenders With Serious Mental Illness
- Interventions for the Prevention of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Adults After Exposure to Psychological Trauma
- Interventions To Improve Cardiovascular Risk Factors in People With Serious Mental Illness
- Nonpharmacologic Interventions for Treatment-Resistant Depression in Adults
- Observed Association Between Antidepressant Use and Pneumonia Risk Was Confounded by Comorbidity Measures
- Off-Label Use of Atypical Antipsychotics: An Update
- Practice-Based Interventions Addressing Concomitant Depression and Chronic Medical Conditions in the Primary Care Setting
- Psychological and Pharmacological Treatments for Adults With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Screening, Behavioral Counseling, and Referral in Primary Care To Reduce Alcohol Misuse
- Second-Generation Antidepressants in the Pharmacologic Treatment of Adult Depression: An Update of the 2007 Comparative Effectiveness Review
- Traumatic Brain Injury and Depression
Other Research Reports:
Clinician Research Summaries:
- Depression After Traumatic Brain Injury
- First-Generation Versus Second-Generation Antipsychotics in Adults: Comparative Effectiveness
- Nonpharmacologic Interventions for Treatment-Resistant Depression in Adults
- Off-Label Use of Atypical Antipsychotics: An Update
- Second-Generation Antidepressants for Treating Adult Depression: An Update
- Treatment for Depression After Unsatisfactory Response to SSRIs in Adults and Adolescents
CME/CE Activities:
- Applying AHRQ's Comparative Effectiveness Research in Nonpharmacological Treatment of Depression and Discussion in Military Settings
- Comparative Effectiveness Review of Screening, Behavioral Counseling, and Referral in Primary Care to Reduce Alcohol Misuse
- First-Generation Versus Second-Generation Antipsychotics in Adults: Comparative Effectiveness
- Nonpharmacologic Interventions for Treatment-Resistant Depression in Adults
- Off-Label Use of Atypical Antipsychotics: An Update
- Second-Generation Antidepressants for Treating Adult Depression—An Update
- Summary of the Comparative Effectiveness Review on Off-label Use of Atypical Antipsychotics
- Summary of Screening, Behavioral Counseling, and Referral in Primary Care to Reduce Alcohol Misuse
- Traumatic Brain Injury and Depression
- Treatment for Depression After Unsatisfactory Response to SSRIs in Adults and Adolescents
- Updates on the Comparative Effectiveness of Second-Generation Antidepressants in the Pharmacologic Treatment of Adult Depression: A Feedback-Based Learning Activity
Slide Library:
- First-Generation Versus Second-Generation Antipsychotics in Adults: Comparative Effectiveness
- Nonpharmacologic Interventions for Treatment-Resistant Depression in Adults
- Off-Label Use of Atypical Antipsychotics: An Update
- Second-Generation Antidepressants for Treating Adult Depression—An Update
- Traumatic Brain Injury and Depression
- Treatment for Depression After Unsatisfactory Response to SSRIs in Adults and Adolescents
Webcasts:
Resources for Patients
Patient Research Summaries:
- Antipsychotic Medicines for Treating Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder: A Review of the Research for Adults and Caregivers
- Depression After Brain Injury: A Guide for Patients and Their Caregivers (En Español)
- Medicines for Treating Depression: A Review of the Research for Adults (En Español)
- Medicines for Treating Mental Health Conditions: A Review of the Research for Adults and Caregivers (En Español)
- Therapies for Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Review of the Research (En Español)
- Treatment Options When Your SSRI Antidepressant Is Not Working Well
Podcasts:
- Depression after a Traumatic Brain Injury
- How to Manage Chronic Diseases
- Tough Guy Mentality and Depression
Muscle, Bone, and Joint Conditions
Rheumatic or musculoskeletal conditions comprise more than 150 diseases and syndromes. Those conditions with the greatest impact on society include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis.
Resources for Clinicians
Comparative Effectiveness Reviews:
- Analgesics for Osteoarthritis: An Update of the 2006 Comparative Effectiveness Review
- Comparative Effectiveness of Nonoperative and Operative Treatments for Rotator Cuff Tears
- Drug Therapy for Psoriatic Arthritis in Adults: Update of a 2007 Report
- Drug Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis in Adults: An Update
- Pain Management Interventions for Hip Fracture
- Physical Therapy Interventions for Knee Pain Secondary to Osteoarthritis
Clinician Research Summaries:
- Analgesics for Osteoarthritis
- Comparative Effectiveness of Interventions for Rotator Cuff Tears in Adults
- Drug Therapy for Psoriatic Arthritis in Adults: Comparative Effectiveness
- Drug Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Comparative Effectiveness
- Pain Management Interventions for Elderly Patients With Hip Fracture
- Treatment To Prevent Osteoporotic Fractures: An Update
CME/CE Activities:
- Analgesics for Osteoarthritis–An Update
- Antinuclear Antibody, Rheumatoid Factor, and Cyclic-Citrullinated Peptide Testing for the Evaluation of Musculoskeletal Complaints in Pediatric Populations
- Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Analgesics for Osteoarthritis: A Panel Discussion With Applications to Practice
- Drug Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis in Adults
- Hip Fractures: Which Interventions Are Effective for Managing Pain?
- Pain Management Interventions for Hip Fracture
Slide Library:
- Analgesics for Osteoarthritis–An Update
- Antinuclear Antibody, Rheumatoid Factor, and Cyclic-Citrullinated Peptide Testing for the Evaluation of Musculoskeletal Complaints in Pediatric Populations
- Comparative Effectiveness of Nonoperative and Operative Treatments for Rotator Cuff Tears
- Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs in Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
- Drug Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis in Adults
- Pain Management Interventions for Hip Fracture
- Treatment To Prevent Fractures in Men and Women With Low Bone Density or Osteoporosis: An Update
Resources for Patients
Patient Research Summaries:
- DMARDs for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Review of the Research for Parents and Caregivers (En Español)
- Managing Osteoarthritis Pain With Medicines: A Review of the Research for Adults (En Español)
- Managing Pain From a Broken Hip: A Guide for Adults and Their Caregivers (En Español)
- Medicines for Psoriatic Arthritis: A Review of the Research for Adults (En Español)
- Medicines for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review of the Research for Adults (En Español)
- Reducing the Risk of Bone Fracture: A Review of the Research for Adults With Low Bone Density (En Español)
- Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Tears: A Guide for Adults (En Español)
Podcasts:
- Avoid Broken Bones by Learning about Low Bone Density
- How to Manage Chronic Diseases
- Managing Osteoarthritis with Medicines
AHRQ's Effective Health Care Program is a leading resource for evidence-based, patient-centered outcomes research on chronic diseases. AHRQ is providing this library of resources for health professionals and consumers to help them compare and discuss treatment options in order to make more informed decisions and improve the quality of their health care. These resources are the latest in a series of AHRQ's growing library of free English and Spanish-language publications that review the scientific evidence on various health conditions so consumers and clinicians can work together to learn more about the benefits and risks of different treatment options.
These free AHRQ resources can be downloaded from this site or ordered by contacting the AHRQ Publications Clearinghouse at AHRQPubs@ahrq.hhs.gov. When ordering, use the publication number and the code AHRQ C-01, which will expedite the ordering process.
For additional AHRQ resources on men’s health, see: http://www.ahrq.gov/path/menpath.htm
Page originally created November 2013