Gender Differences in Routine Health Maintenance Examinations Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

PURPOSE: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) males historically have lower healthcare utilization than their female peers. METHODS: Electronic health record data from an Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine outpatient practice were reviewed to assess gender differences in routine health maintenance examinations before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: Routine health maintenance examinations decreased for both males and females during the pandemic. However, a two-proportion z-test demonstrated that established male patients were statistically less likely (p < .01) to have a routine health maintenance examination from December 2020 to December 2021 than their female counterparts. DISCUSSION: AYA males are at a higher risk for persistent disengagement in healthcare and exacerbates future gender gaps in healthcare utilization. Primary care providers need to focus efforts on re-engaging all young people in preventive care, with specific efforts tailored to AYA males.