Health,utilisation of health services, ‘core’ information,and reasons for non‐participation: a triangulation study amongst non‐respondents

Aim. To explore health, use of health services, ‘core’ information and reasons for non‐participation amongst males. Background. Gender may provide an explanation for non‐participation in the healthcare system. A growing body of research suggests that males are less likely than females to seek help from health professionals for their problems. The current research had its beginnings with the low response rate in a prior voluntary survey and health examination for Finnish males born in 1961. Design. Data triangulation among 28 non‐respondent middle‐aged males in Helsinki was used. Methods. The methods involved structured and in‐depth interviews and health measurements to explore the views of these males concerning their health‐related behaviours and use of health services. Results. Non‐respondent males seldom used healthcare services. Despite clinical risk factors (e.g. obesity and blood pressure) and various symptoms, males perceived their health status as good. Work was widely experienced as excessively demanding, causing insomnia and other stress symptoms. Males expressed sensitive messages when a session was ending and when the participant was close to the door and leaving the room. This ‘core’ information included major causes of concern, anxiety, fears and loneliness. Conclusions. This triangulation study showed that by using an in‐depth interview as one research strategy, more sensitive ‘feminist’ expressions in health and ill‐health were got by men. The results emphasise a male’s self‐perception of his masculinity that may have relevance to the health experience of the male population. Relevance to clinical practice. Nurses and physicians need to pay special attention to the requirements of gender‐specific healthcare to be most effective in the delivery of healthcare to males.