The present study explores the health-seeking behavior and use of health care services among male students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College campus in South Africa.
To gain an understanding of why men underutilize health care services, many researchers have looked at the factors that influence men's health-seeking behaviours. South African men have been neglected in the health-seeking process. The overall objective of this research is to provide insights into factors affecting their utilisation of health care services and men’s healthcareseeking behaviour. The study used a qualitative research technique to better understand the health-seeking behaviour of male students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College campus, drawing on 30 in-depth interviews conducted with male students aged 18 and above.
There were a variety of health care facilities available to the men. However, men preferred private health care services but were unable to access these services due to their unemployed status. Further, most men reported not seeking medical attention as soon as they felt ill. These results highlight the need for men to have access to health care. To improve men's use of health care services and behavioural healthcare-seeking behaviour, additional healthcare interventions are needed.
Table of Contents
1. CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
1.2 Motivation for the study
1.3 Aims of the study
1.4 Research questions
1.5 Theoretical framework
1.6 Organisation of the dissertation
2. CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Men's health-seeking behaviour
2.2.1 The Influence of masculinities
2.2.2 Men’s experience with a medical professional
2.3 Factors facilitating the use of health services
2.3.1 Students general health requirements
2.3.2 Masculinity and the gendered nature of public health care
2.3.3 Health seeking process
2.3.4 Condom use among adolescents and young adults
2.3.5 Stigma
2.4 Factors inhibiting the use of health services
2.4.1 Socio-demographic factors influencing health-seeking
2.4.2 Geographic location
2.4.3 Socioeconomic status
2.4.4 Mental health in university students
2.4.5 Male gender and men's health
2.4.6 Age
2.4.7 The urge to get better
2.4.8 Social support
2.4.9 Mass media
2.4.10 Culture
2.4.11 The use of the internet for health consultations
2.5 Summary
3. CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Study setting
3.3 Research design
3.4 Sampling
3.5 Data collection methods and process
3.6 Data analysis methods
3.7 Ethical considerations
3.8 Limitations of the study
3.9 Summary
4. CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Sample characteristics
4.3 Reasons for seeking health care
4.4 Men’s view of health services
4.5 Factors facilitating use of health services
4.5.1 Location
4.5.2 Transport
4.6 Factors inhibiting use of health services
4.6.1 Long waiting periods
4.6.2 Finances
4.6.3 Absence of male health workers
4.6.4 Confidentiality
4.6.5 Socialisation
4.6.6 The significance of health care assistance
4.6.7 Availability of services
4.7 Opportunities and barriers influencing the change of behaviour
4.7.1 Awareness
4.7.2 The influence of peers
4.7.3 Health care provider attitudes
4.7.4 Modern and traditional treatment
4.8 Overcoming the barriers
4.9 Summary
5. CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE STUDY
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Discussion
5.3 Recommendations
5.4 Conclusion
Research Objectives and Key Topics
The primary research objective is to examine the health-seeking behaviour of male students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College campus, by identifying the factors that facilitate or inhibit their utilization of healthcare services amidst specific socioeconomic, cultural, and personal constraints.
- Attitudes of male students regarding their own health.
- Factors that facilitate or inhibit the use of healthcare services.
- The influence of masculinity and socio-cultural norms on health-seeking behaviour.
- Opportunities and constraints regarding potential behavioral change.
- The role of traditional versus modern medicine in student healthcare choices.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Background of the study
Men are generally more hesitant than women to seek medical care and advice and use healthcare services (O'Brien et al., 2005). Men's delayed use of healthcare is frequently cited as a contributing factor to their lower life expectancy when compared to women (White and Witty, 2009). Their underutilization of healthcare is framed as a societal issue because men are likely to get sick (O'Brien et al., 2005). Men are perceived as uninformed, uninterested, and lacking ambition regarding their health concerns (O'Brien et al., 2005). According to Courtenay (2000), men's conduct has to change to improve their health, because their health-seeking and facility utilization is seen as problematic. According to Courtenay (2000), there are a variety of elements that influence one's health such as ethnicity, economic class, gender, and healthcare access. Gender appears to be an important element in determining one's health and lifespan (Courtenay, 2000). Gender inequalities in health conditions suggest a variation in life expectancy between men and women.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION: This chapter introduces the research context, motivation, aims, and the theoretical framework of the health care utilization model guiding the study.
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW: This chapter reviews national and international literature on male health, examining the influence of masculinity, socio-cultural factors, and obstacles to health facility utilization.
CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY: This chapter details the qualitative research approach, case study design, and in-depth interview process utilized to gather data from male students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS: This chapter presents the empirical findings from the interviews, highlighting barriers like costs, long wait times, and gender-related discomfort, as well as enabling factors like service availability.
CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE STUDY: This chapter discusses the study's main findings in relation to existing theory and provides recommendations for improving male health outcomes and healthcare service delivery.
Keywords
University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College campus, Health seeking behaviour, Male students, Utilisation of health care services, Masculinity, Gender roles, Healthcare access, Public health, Socioeconomic status, Traditional medicine, Provider attitudes, Barriers to care, Student health, Mental health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research study?
The study examines the health-seeking behaviour of male students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College campus, specifically looking at why men often underutilize healthcare services.
Which specific themes are explored throughout the work?
The key themes include the impact of masculinity on health, student access to healthcare, the influence of peers and socio-cultural factors, and the role of service-dependent issues like wait times and staff interactions.
What is the primary objective of this dissertation?
The objective is to provide insight into the factors affecting how male students utilize healthcare and to uncover the barriers and opportunities to improve their health-seeking behaviours.
Which scientific methodology was utilized for the research?
The study employs a qualitative research design using a case study approach, which includes conducting twenty in-depth, audio-recorded interviews with male participants.
What topics are covered in the main body of the work?
The main body covers theoretical frameworks for health utilization, an extensive literature review on men's health, methodology details, an in-depth presentation of qualitative results, and a comprehensive discussion of findings and recommendations.
Which keywords define this research?
The research is characterized by terms such as health-seeking behaviour, male students, masculinity, healthcare utilization, and socio-cultural barriers.
How does the concept of 'hegemonic masculinity' affect the research findings?
The study finds that traditional notions of masculinity lead many men to prioritize stoicism and independence, which causes them to view seeking medical help as a sign of weakness and thus avoid facilities.
Why do male students often prefer private pharmacies to public clinics?
The interviews revealed that men perceive pharmacies as offering more privacy and convenience, allowing them to purchase medication over the counter without the discomfort of revealing personal, potentially sensitive information to healthcare staff.
Which role does traditional medicine play for the interviewed students?
Many participants reported a preference for traditional medicine and herbs, viewing these as effective, sentimental, and more accessible methods for treating illnesses compared to modern clinic services.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Tronic Sithole (Autor:in), 2022, Examining Men's Health Behavior in South Africa. A Study at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1370333
