Perceptions of “Male Sensitive” Health Services Among Men in Trinidad and Tobago

Abstract

Introduction

While Caribbean researchers have explored masculinity, socialization, and behavior, the literature has been silent on masculinity and “male sensitive” health services. This study explored masculinity and perceptions of “male sensitive” health services.

Method

An interpretative, phenomenological, qualitative design that used 14 focus groups and 12 semistructured interviews among men between the ages 18 and 65 years.

Results

The notion of “male sensitive” services were more of preferences like having more females, timeliness, and privacy of services rather than a specific set of services unique to men. Services were expected to be professional, offered in private spaces, timely, and as an “all in one” service with more male service providers.

Discussion

Male utilization of health services may be a problem if they are not considered “sensitive” to their needs. This has implications for the reorientation of services, as well as, personnel, including increased involvement of males as health care providers.