VULNERABILITY OF MEN IN THEIR WORK ENVIRONMENT: QUALITY OF LIFE AND HEALTH

Abstract

Introduction: Men's health presents higher morbidity and mortality rates compared to women, highlighting the vulnerability of this group and their low adherence to health services. In response to this scenario, the National Policy for Comprehensive Health Care for Men (PNAISH) was established in 2009, with the goal of reducing health risks and promoting actions that consider the specific sociocultural and economic contexts of the male population. Methodology: This is a literature review guided by the research question: What are the effects of male vulnerability in the workplace on their health and quality of life? The search was conducted in the SciELO and BVS databases, using the descriptors "primary health care," "men's health," and "vulnerability," combined with the Boolean operator "AND." Articles published between 2019 and 2024 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, with free access and full text availability, were selected. Duplicate, incomplete, non-scientific papers, as well as reviews, theses, dissertations, and others that did not directly address the proposed theme, were excluded. Results and Discussion: The studies analyzed indicate that cultural and social factors hinder men's access to health services and the adoption of self-care practices. The social construction of masculinity reinforces risky behaviors and resistance to seeking care, negatively affecting physical and mental health, and consequently, impacting quality of life and professional performance. Conclusion: Promoting men's health requires educational actions that confront stigmas, encourage self-care, and expand access to services, contributing to disease prevention and improving the overall well-being of this population.