LOW ADHESION OF THE MALE POPULATION TO PRIMARY CARE: DETERMINING FACTORS AND COPING STRATEGIES

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The National Policy for Comprehensive Men's Health Care (PNAISH) seeks to reduce morbidity and mortality rates in the male population through campaigns and active searches. However, there are constant challenges that hinder this policy, such as the fragility of resources allocated to this policy and the adherence of men to seek health services. OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors that contribute to the low adherence of the male population in Primary Health Care. METHODOLOGY: This is an integrative literature review. The data were collected in the following databases: Virtual Health Library (VHL), Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO). The review used keywords registered in the health sciences descriptors (Decs): Assistance and Man; Primary Care; Men's Health; and was written based on the guiding question: "What factors contribute to the low adherence of the male population to Primary Care?". The study adopted inclusion and exclusion criteria for writing, seeking articles published between 2020 and 2025, written in the Brazilian vernacular, and available free of charge. RESULTS: Men's disconnection from primary health care services is correlated with several factors, including cultural barriers regarding masculinity and dedication to work to support their families. The studies analyzed demonstrate that men seek health services late, prioritizing emergency care over primary care. Cultural, social, and structural barriers contribute to the silencing of emotions, resistance to self-care, and the worsening of diseases, reinforcing the need for public policies that encourage prevention and promotion of men's health.CONCLUSION: While reading the articles, several contexts that create a barrier between the population Men's health and the primary health care network. The cultural bias imposed on men is the main cause of distancing themselves from health services, as they consider it an act of vulnerability to care about their health and well-being.