[Health needs and masculinities: primary health care services for men].
This study deals with the relations between masculinities and health care, approaching the recognition of health needs among male users of primary health care and the responses by the services. The study is part of a larger research project in four Brazilian States, with a convenience sample of eight health services. Ethnographic observation was compared with semi-structured interviews with 182 health care users from 15 to 65 years of age and 72 health professionals. Thematic analysis of the ethnographic records and interviews was based on gender references and studies on health work. The findings show how medicalization of health needs affects users, professionals, and services, disguising issues related to masculinity. Primary care focuses mainly on women, thereby reproducing gender inequalities in health services operations and professional performance, with women receiving disciplined care and men receiving insufficient attention and care.
Schraiber
Lilia Blima
LB
Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo 455, São Paulo, Brazil. liliabli@usp.br
Figueiredo
Wagner dos Santos
Wdos S
Gomes
Romeu
R
Couto
Márcia Thereza
MT
Pinheiro
Thiago Félix
TF
Machin
Rosana
R
Silva
Geórgia Sibele Nogueira da
GS
Valença
Otávio
O
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001938:Brazil; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D057228:Masculinity; D054526:Men's Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D055815:Young Adult