A Question of Access: An exploration of the factors that influence the health of young males aged 15 to 19 living in Corby and their use of health care services

Abstract

Objective To explore the factors that influence young men's access to health services with a view to identifying the potential for health promotion interventions in this area. Design A qualitative study using a semi-structured interview schedule with small groups of young men.Setting Interviews were carried out in the field within school and youth settings.Method A series of three focus group interviews were used as a means of gathering qualitative data. Results It was found that participants consistently equated health to physical fitness, and help-seeking behaviour was dictated by social norms. These demanded that a problem should be both physical and sufficiently severe to justify needing help. General Practitioners (GPs) were not a popular choice for confiding because of discomfort associated with communication issues, unfamiliarity and feelings of vulnerability. In some cases this was expressed using homophobic comments. Participants were more likely to confide in female key workers with whom they had an established relationship. Conclusion The complex factors influencing help-seeking and access to services require that health promotion interventions embrace a social model of health. Clients attitudes and beliefs about health and health services need to be considered within a cultural context taking into at The University of Iowa Libraries on June 26, 2015 hej.sagepub.com Downloaded from 4 account the sociological and environmental conditions in which they live. When providing health service to young men, issues such as communication, and vulnerability should be considered and it should not be assumed that young men would prefer to see male health professionals.

Do adults who believe in periodic health examinations receive more clinical preventive services?

“…Men were also less likely to endorse periodic examinations in this study: previous studies have identified men's reluctance to seek health services (Galdas, Cheater et al 2005). One qualitative study of men's help seeking behavior found that few men were comfortable confiding in their primary care provider and many felt that only severe problems required a doctor's help (Richardson 2001). Presumably a periodic examination, with no severe problem to address, does not warrant a doctor visit in the eyes of some men.…”

Focus-group interview and data analysis

“…Participants in this type of research are, therefore, selected on the criteria that they would have something to say on the topic, are within the age-range, have similar socio-characteristics and would be comfortable talking to the interviewer and each other (Richardson & Rabiee, 2001). This approach to selection relates to the concept of 'Applicability', in which subjects are selected because of their knowledge of the study area (Burrows & Kendall, 1997).…”

Use of School-Based Health Centres for Mental Health Support in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

“…For example, there are differences in reported health status and health beliefs among adolescent males and females, with females more likely to report poorer emotional and physical well-being, more concerns about health status, and a wider range of health problems than males. 36 The nature of health concerns has also been implicated as a barrier to the use of health services, with greater reluctance among adolescent males to seek help for mental health complaints than for physical health problems, 37 possibly owing to fears of parental disapproval and stigma associated with the use of mental health services. 38 Other factors associated with lower use of health services among adolescent males includes gender construction that associates help-seeking with vulnerability and weakness 37,39 ; lack of knowledge or awareness about services 40 ; and sex of service provider, with some research suggesting more comfort with female sources of support 37 and some suggesting higher likelihood of use given presence of male providers.…”