NURSES' STRATEGIES IN PROMOTING MEN'S HEALTH IN OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENTS

Abstract

Introduction: Men's health faces significant challenges regarding adherence to preventive practices, influenced by sociocultural factors and the delayed search for healthcare services. In this context, occupational environments are considered strategic settings for implementing health promotion actions, enabling access to individuals who often do not seek primary healthcare services. Objective: To analyze the strategies used by nurses in promoting men's health in occupational environments, highlighting educational, preventive, and care practices that encourage self-care and improve quality of life. Methodology: This is a bibliographic study with a qualitative and descriptive approach, conducted through the Virtual Health Library (VHL), based on the PICo strategy (Population, Interest, and Context) and guided by the adapted PRISMA protocol. Articles published within the last five years, available in full text and written in Portuguese, were selected according to previously established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data analysis was carried out using Bardin’s content analysis technique, allowing the organization and interpretation of scientific findings. Results and Discussion: The analysis of the studies identified three thematic categories: sociocultural barriers and male resistance to healthcare, nursing strategies as a link between public policy and workers, and the occupational environment as both a risk setting and a potential space for care promotion. The findings revealed that cultural factors related to masculinity, combined with work-related demands, hinder men's adherence to preventive practices. Conversely, nursing interventions focused on health education, active outreach, and preventive activities conducted in the workplace demonstrated potential to increase access to healthcare services and strengthen self-care practices. Conclusion: It is concluded that nurses play a fundamental role in promoting men's health in occupational environments, contributing to disease prevention, improved quality of life, and the strengthening of public policies aimed at men's health.