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Are men willing to participate?: A participatory research approach to involving Latino men in sexual and reproductive health promoter programs
Methods: We conducted qualitative in-depth interviews (n=15) and 3 focus groups (n=31) with Latino immigrant men residing in the triangle region of North Carolina. We asked about their time use, perceptions on community participation, health priorities, and sources of health information. Interviews and focus groups were transcribed and analyzed thematically to answer the research questions.
Findings: Men's work was a critical part of their identity and a distraction from the stressors of being an immigrant. Despite perceptions that men are too busy, men did have free time to participate in community health activities. They chose not to participate due to a lack of interest, confidence, or perceived benefits. Most men had not heard the term 'Promotor de Salud', and those that had considered it the domain of women. They felt that health was a woman's responsibility and their own responsibility was to work.
Conclusions: Men's lack of participation is closely related to traditional gender norms that encourage men to be the providers for their family. Community health programs, including promoter programs, should welcome men by including topics of interest to men and connecting promotion activities with men's work activities.
Learning Objectives:
Discuss barriers to Latino men's participation in community health worker programs
Identify strategies to integrate Latino men into community health promoter programs
Keywords: Latinos, Community Health Promoters
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have 6 years experience working with Latino populations, specifically focusing on the role of males in health promotion programs. I previously directed a peer educator program for Latino male youth and currently am studying best practices and approaches to incorporate men into health promotion programs.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.