Impacts of Masculinity on Men’s Health in Maseru, Lesotho

Abstract

Masculinity is a health determinant for men and a risk factor for non-communicable diseases. This chapter explores how dominant masculinity influences lifestyle risk factors for non-communicable diseases focusing on adult men. The study conducted eight exploratory focus group discussions with adult men from Maseru, Lesotho. The participants were recruited using purposive sampling. Thematic analysis processes were followed to analyse data. The participants’ rationales and behaviours indicated dependence on women for healthy living even though men claimed taking responsibility as one of the key descriptions for a man. Smoking was perceived as one of the practices used to prove masculinity. Participants were informed about the unfavourable impacts of smoking. Stress, leisure time and peer pressure were reported as contributing factors to harmful alcohol consumption among participants. Many participants understood the benefits from healthy diets, however, they depended on females for healthy meals. Nearly all the men were aware of the health benefits of physical activities. Participants were aware of the undesirable effects of physical inactivity. Participants reported various challenges to effective physical activities and classified some activities as suitable for middle-class individuals. Health education focused on men is critical in order to alleviate the negative impacts of masculinity on men’s health.