Identifying Male College Students' Perceived Health Needs,Barriers to Seeking Help,and Recommendations to Help Men Adopt Healthier Lifestyles |
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Authors: | Byron P McCrae MS Joanne Frank MS Annie Dochnahl MS Tony Pickering MS Brent Harrison MS |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Anthropology , University of Florida , USA;2. Departments of Anthropology and Pediatrics , University of Florida , GPA 1350, Gainesville, Florida, 32611, USA |
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Abstract: | Abstract Seven focus groups at a university campus were formed to identify college men's health concerns, barriers to seeking help, and recommendations to help college men adopt healthier lifestyles. Content analysis was used to identify and organize primary patterns in the focus-group data. Results of the study revealed that the college men were aware that they had important health needs but took little action to address them. The participants identified both physical and emotional health concerns. Alcohol and substance abuse were rated as the most important issues for men. The greatest barrier to seeking services was the men's socialization to be independent and conceal vulnerability. The most frequently mentioned suggestions for helping men adopt healthier lifestyles were offering health classes, providing health information call-in service, and developing a men's center. Implications of the results are discussed. |
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Keywords: | gender health health promotion men risk behavior susceptibility |
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