Men’s health-risk and protective behaviors: The effects of masculinity and masculine norms.

Abstract

Previous research has examined men's health in relation to women's functioning and compared morbidity and mortality rates among specific subgroups of men using demographic features. More recent research expands these approaches by also examining how men's thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors influence health-related attitudes and behaviors. The endorsement and internalization of masculinity is generally associated with more negative health behaviors and engagement in fewer health-protective behaviors. However, research to date does not offer a clear and consistent conceptualization of those specific masculine norms that might facilitate or act as a barrier to men adopting healthier behaviors. The current study examines data from 376 men between the ages of 18 and 25 to determine whether health-risk and protective behaviors are predicted by specific masculine norms, when controlling for demographic variables. Findings suggest men's endorsement of specific masculine norms predicted more health-protective than health-risk behaviors, although the proportion of the variance explained by specific masculine norms was higher for health-risk behaviors than health-protective behaviors. Demographic variables also predicted both health-risk and protective factors. Results from the current study are presented within the context of two previous studies (Levant & Wimer, 2014;Levant, Wimer, & Williams, 2011), highlighting both similarities and additional contributions. Results provide a strong rationale for considering the influence of masculine norms on men's health behaviors, especially within the context of health promotion, prevention, and intervention programs by healthcare providers and clinicians.

HPV Vaccine and College-Age Men: A Scoping Review

“…This misinformation illustrated the lack of understanding about perceived timing, risk, and the severity of HPV-related illness ( Hunter & Weinstein, 2016 ; Pitts et al, 2017 ; Priest et al, 2015 ; Ratanasiripong, 2015 ). The lack of perceived risk ( Fontenot et al, 2014 ; Hunter & Weinstein, 2016 ; Pask & Rawlins, 2016 ) was directly related to both lack of awareness and the well-documented absence of sexual health-seeking behaviors typically seen in young males ( Salgado et al, 2019 ). Lack of HPV knowledge combined with high-risk sexual behaviors in late adolescence and early adulthood highlight the need for health promotion strategies to prevent life-changing illnesses ( Crocker et al, 2019 ).…”

“…Gendered health behaviors are learned and may be socialized in men from an early age, reinforced during adolescence, and amplified in early adulthood ( Crocker et al, 2019 ). Studies have demonstrated that aligning to traditional masculine norms predicts men’s low rates of engagement in preventative health behaviors, such as routine medical exams, self-care practices, and psychological help ( Salgado et al, 2019 ). Men who do disclose engaging in sexual health promoting practices risk being characterized as “feminine” or “weak” ( Salgado et al, 2019 ).…”

“…Studies have demonstrated that aligning to traditional masculine norms predicts men’s low rates of engagement in preventative health behaviors, such as routine medical exams, self-care practices, and psychological help ( Salgado et al, 2019 ). Men who do disclose engaging in sexual health promoting practices risk being characterized as “feminine” or “weak” ( Salgado et al, 2019 ). Often, male-biased stereotypes may alter the HCP’s perception of how men receive information, and they may withhold discussions about HPV that otherwise may have been well received.…”

“…Because the HPV vaccine was initially approved and introduced for females only, there may be lingering confusion among the public and health-care providers (HCPs) about its value for males. In tandem, the absence of tailored messaging for men has played to stereotypes that men do not engage self-health, a dominant discourse that can also mislead HCPs about the need to expect yields from actively promoting HPV vaccination in young men ( Salgado et al, 2019 ).…”

“…After age 18, many young men navigate their health independent of family, making decisions on their own. Their estrangement from health-care services has been well documented, especially in the context of sexual health and sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening ( Salgado et al, 2019 ). Therefore, an important first step in creating an effective intervention to increase HPV adherence is the exploration of college- and university-age men’s practices, beliefs, and decision-making processes regarding vaccinations and health prevention.…”