Development And Testing Of A Conceptual Model Regarding Men’S Access To Health Care

Keywords

access; health care; Healthy People 2020; males; prevention

Abstract

Epidemiologic data suggest men often experience excessive morbidity and early mortality, possibly compromising family and community health over the lifespan. Moreover, the negative financial/economic consequences affected by poor male health outcomes also has been of great concern in the United States and abroad. Early and consistent access to preventative health care may improve health outcomes; however, men are far less likely to access these services. The purpose of this study was to understand what factors preclude men from accessing health care. We surveyed 485 participants using a 58-item online survey built from a conceptual model previously developed by the researchers using hegemonic masculinity theory, the theory of normative contentment, and the health belief model. For men, three items significantly (ps <.05) predicted whether they had seen a health care provider in the past year: “I/Men do not access healthcare because I do not think there is anything wrong with me,” “My health is only about me,” and “I/Men do not access healthcare because most men in my family do not access healthcare.” Other correlations of practical significance also were noted. Results suggest gender norms and masculine ideals may play a primary role in how men access preventative health care. Future programming targeting males should consider barriers and plan programs that are gender-sensitive in addition to being gender-specific. Clinical implications are discussed.

Publication Date

3-1-2017

Publication Title

American Journal of Men's Health

Volume

11

Issue

2

Number of Pages

262-274

Document Type

Article

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988316671637

Socpus ID

85012971993 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85012971993

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