Ramezani Tehrani F * 1 (MD), Amiri P² (PhD), Simbar M¹ (PhD), Rostami Dovom M¹ (BS), Azizi F³ (MD)

  ¹ Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences,Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

  ² Obesity Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences,Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran

  ³ Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran

  Received: 30 Jul 2010, Accepted : 26 Dec 2010

  Abstract

  Introduction: Men pay less attention to their health status and have worse life styles compared to women. The current study investigates the perceptional barriers for health among men.

  Methods: This is a qualitative study which was conducted using focus group discussion (FGD). 110 men in different age groups were selected. All FGDs were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed manually using constant comparative analysis and open, axial, and selective coding. Conformability and credibility of the data were validated.

  Results: The present study demonstrated that economical concerns, family issues, lack of social security, environmental problems and not having appropriate general management strategies are the main health barriers that prevent men from thinking of health as a priority. Content analysis showed that the major concern of men was financial, mostly due to unemployment. A small number of men who considered health as an important issue, did so to avoid being a burden rather than thinking of health per se.

  Conclusion: This study showed the barriers that prevent men from thinking of health as a main priority. These findings can assist health policy makers in designing appropriate strategies for prevention of diseases.

  Key words: Men's Health Qualitative Research Non-Communicable Diseases

  Hakim Research Journal 2011 13(4): 241- 249.

  * Corresponding Author: No 24, Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Parvane St, Yaman St, Velenjak, Tehran, Iran. Tel:+98- 336- 22432500, Fax: +98- 21- 22416264/22402463, Email: ramezani@endocrine.ac.ir