Comprehensive health care promotion and gender approach as an action strategy for heterosexual men’s reproductive and sexual health

Abstract

This article describes the experience on men’s health promotion developed by the Barong Cultural Institute (Instituto Cultural Barong). The adopted methodology was based on men´s morbidity and mortality indicators and on references of the construction of gender of the current
heterosexual masculinity pattern. This methodology intends to create a discourse for the promotion of sexual and reproductive health and for the prevention of STD/HIV and hepatitis for men. The used strategy for the study was grounded on actions carried out on streets and in companies with high concentration of men. Moreover, reports and educational material were developed and distributed for this public, incorporating general health themes, through an unique playful approach of masculine patterns, aiming to the reconstruction of these patterns on the basis of the perception of men´s vulnerability. Another objective of this process was to point out the need to adopt the self-care and prevention behavior,
including the search for health public services. In face of the inexistence of defined flows and protocols related to appointments, exams and information services that involves men´s health in Brazil, practical parameters were created to guide men in general health care and quality of
life, including the focus on sexual health and prevention, as well as the creation of leaflets and brochures for this public, who very well received the initiative. It demonstrates how successful the approach was.