Are men willing to participate?: A participatory research approach to involving Latino men in sexual and reproductive health promoter programs

Background: Community health worker programs are commonly used in Latino communities, often called 'Promotores de Salud'. Data shows that men are rarely involved despite men's critical role in a family's health. The purpose of this study, determined by an active group of female health promoters in North Carolina, is to better understand the barriers to men's participation in community health programs.

Methods: We conducted qualitative in-depth interviews (n=15) and 3 focus groups (n=31) with Latino immigrant men residing in the triangle region of North Carolina. We asked about their time use, perceptions on community participation, health priorities, and sources of health information. Interviews and focus groups were transcribed and analyzed thematically to answer the research questions.

Findings: Men's work was a critical part of their identity and a distraction from the stressors of being an immigrant. Despite perceptions that men are too busy, men did have free time to participate in community health activities. They chose not to participate due to a lack of interest, confidence, or perceived benefits. Most men had not heard the term 'Promotor de Salud', and those that had considered it the domain of women. They felt that health was a woman's responsibility and their own responsibility was to work.

Conclusions: Men's lack of participation is closely related to traditional gender norms that encourage men to be the providers for their family. Community health programs, including promoter programs, should welcome men by including topics of interest to men and connecting promotion activities with men's work activities.