Barriers to self-care among men: discourses of men participating in a health education group.

The objective of this study was to analyze men's discourses regarding difficulties related to their participation in health services and their self-care practices in the health-disease process. In order to do so, a health education initiative was implemented with men living in the area covered by a Basic Health Unit (UBS) in a municipality in Northeastern Brazil. The initiative was designed by professionals at the UBS, and its third stage consisted of five group meetings that addressed issues related to men's health. For the analysis of discourses, a content analysis strategy was used. The experience allowed us to reflect on the importance of developing strategic actions oriented towards promoting men's engagement with health services and the self-care of users, particularly in primary care settings. This is considered within the framework of the National Policy for Comprehensive Men's Healthcare (PNAISH). Re-signifying actions oriented towards men's health and changing the perspectives of professionals attending to this population can create a sense of belonging in men with respect to spaces of health promotion, protection, and recovery.