Evaluating the Impact of the Movement for Change & Social Justice's Men's Forum on the Effective Engagement of Men with Health Care Services in Gugulethu

Useh, Ebruphiyo Ruth

Evaluating the Impact of the Movement for Change & Social Justice's Men's Forum on the Effective Engagement of Men with Health Care Services in Gugulethu

Master Thesis

2022

Abstract

In most parts of the world, men engage much less with health services as compared to women, are less inclined to access preventative services, and have a higher probability of dropping out of care. The Movement for Change and Social Justice is a non-profit organisation focused on empowering the community and ensuring that individuals have sufficient knowledge on health and social matters. In line with this objective, the organisation established a Men's Forum – a program intended to create a space for men to express themselves freely without fear of judgment, as well as foster knowledge on health and social issues that concern men. The purpose of this study is to evaluate how activities of the MCSJ Men's Forum worked to promote or hinder men from effectively engaging with health care services in the community of Gugulethu. Participants were purposively sampled, and a total of 12 were engaged in semi-structured in-depth interviews. The qualitative study made use of Braun and Clarke's 6-phase approach to thematic analysis. The findings reflected seven main themes guided by the Masculinities and Men's Reproductive Health Practices and Outcomes conceptual framework. The study concluded that the Men's Forum plays a vital part in the support and empowerment of men across various age groups in optimising their health, acting as a conduit for health information and services. The implications of this study could mean it essential to include and train community health workers in engaging men with health care services regularly with an additional focus on privacy and cultural sensitivity regarding male patients in soft skill training. Engagement through facilitating health screenings, talks, dialogues, and workshops in the community as part of community outreach health practices could aid in spreading awareness and encourage future access for men.