Patient and practitioner perceptions of promoters and inhibitors of health seeking behaviour among African men accessing HIV health services in Kwa-Zulu Natal
Year: 2013
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Men might benefit from opportunities specific to their needs in improving access to HIV care.This is a group vulnerable to higher morbidity and mortality than their female counterparts, due not only to poor or delayed health seeking behaviour and the culture of blame for the transmission of HIV, but probably due to neglect, inadequate or poor support by the current policies, by a gender biased research agenda, by the international research community and global health funders.Several reasons for this fear emerged with the common theme being the doom of impending death, social stigma and fear of abandonment as well as social marginalization. ConclusionsWe cannot expect to attract men to predominantly female orientated settings within health faculties.Special attempts need to be made to reach out to men in places they are comfortable being in.Messages should be clear and concise about the effectiveness of low cost, available treatment for HIV; and that early diagnosis improves health outcomes.Cultural sensitive interventions are needed that are suitable, in generating a clearer understanding of health management options and motives.
Author: Neermala Moodley
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W141090025