Understanding masculinities to improve men's health

Research has also called attention to the social determinants of men's poor health, particularly how restrictive ideas about manhood intersect with poverty, ethnicity, gendered employment patterns, and other factors.11–14 Recognising the importance of these issues, the WHO Regional Office for Europe released a strategy in 2018 for addressing men's health and a similar document from the Pan American Health Organization is expected to be released later in 2019.15 Public health experts and researchers must expand the understanding of men's physical and psychosocial health to build an evidence base for programming and policy. Presently, much research on masculinity and men's health draws on a deficit-based approach, whereby men are pathologised or masculinity is framed as inherently problematic or toxic.16 Moving forward, it is important to recognise and leverage the fact that many men take care of their individual health and wellbeing and often access health care through their support for the health and wellbeing of their partners or children.17 Efforts to address men's health should build on men's positive health practices, experiences, and desire for health care, and the importance of taking care of themselves for their own wellbeing and those around them including women, who often bear the social and economic costs of men's poor health.18 Some men seek preventive care, support their partners and children in accessing health care, and use health services adequately. [...]many men around the world engage in health promoting behaviours such as regular exercise, healthy diets, and practising safe sex. [...]academics and researchers should research healthy masculine norms that could promote healthy behaviour, such as responsibility and self-control, alongside men's positive involvement as fathers, partners, caregivers, and community members.