Health-seeking behavioural challenges as experienced by males at selected primary health care facilities in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga Province

Abstract

Background This study provides a comprehensive review of health-seeking behaviour among males, focusing on understanding the factors influencing their healthcare utilisation patterns. Despite growing recognition of the importance of men's health, research on their health-seeking behaviour remains underexplored. Health-seeking behaviour is an action taken by a person with health issues to find a suitable solution. It is a process that involves decision-making, which is not uniform across the board since various factors influence it. Purpose The purpose of the study was to determine health-seeking behavioural challenges experienced by males at selected primary healthcare facilities in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga province. Research Method The study followed a qualitative explorative and descriptive research design to explore and describe health-seeking behavioural challenges as experienced by males at selected primary healthcare facilities. The design was appropriate to achieve the research objectives. The purposive sampling method was used to sample male consultants at selected facilities under study. The sample size was determined by the depth of the information obtained from the participants and the data saturation, which was reached by participant number 22. Data was collected through semi-structured individual interviews using an interview guide. The data was then analysed using Tesch's open-coding method for qualitative data analysis. Measures to ensure trustworthiness were taken by applying four elements: credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. All ethical issues were addressed throughout the study. Results The study's findings revealed that male clients can manage to reach the PHC; however, they expressed concerns about the long waiting time experienced when visiting PHC facilities. There is a lack of resources experienced by males, leading to poor uptake of PHC facility services. Furthermore, there is perceived stigma or self-stigmatisation when visiting PHC facilities and a lack of secrecy from health care professionals about the diagnosis after visiting PHC facilities. The study further revealed that cultural beliefs were viewed as a way to receive healing rather than visiting the PHC facilities. The study further indicated the resistance of men to visiting health facilities as they compared the advantages and disadvantages of public and private facilities. The findings of the study revealed that male clients can manage to reach the PHC; however, they expressed concerns about the long waiting time experienced when visiting PHC facilities. There is a lack of resources experienced by males, leading to poor uptake of PHC facility services. Furthermore, there is perceived stigma or self-stigmatisation when visiting PHC facilities and a lack of secrecy from health care professionals about the diagnosis after visiting PHC facilities. The study further revealed that cultural beliefs were viewed as a way to receive healing rather than visiting the PHC facilities. The study further indicated the resistance of men to visiting health facilities as they compared the advantages and disadvantages of public and private facilities. Recommendations The study recommends the need for healthcare providers to address these barriers and work towards creating a more welcoming and accommodating environment for males seeking healthcare services. The study further recommends the provision of insights into the potential strategies to encourage healthier health-seeking behaviour among men. The study recommends strategies that may improve health-seeking behaviour among males, which may be achieved through public health campaigns, educational programs, and changes in healthcare delivery.