A Question of Access: An exploration of the factors that influence the health of young males aged 15 to 19 living in Corby and their use of health care services

Objective To explore the factors that influence young men's access to health services with a view to identifying the potential for health promotion interventions in this area.

Design A qualitative study using a semi-structured interview schedule with small groups of young men.

Setting Interviews were carried out in the field within school and youth settings.

Method A series of three focus group interviews were used as a means of gathering qualitative data.

Results It was found that participants consistently equated health to physical fitness, and help-seeking behaviour was dictated by social norms. These demanded that a problem should be both physical and sufficiently severe to justify needing help. General Practitioners (GPs) were not a popular choice for confiding because of discomfort associated with communication issues, unfamiliarity and feelings of vulnerability. In some cases this was expressed using homophobic comments. Participants were more likely to confide in female key workers with whom they had an established relationship.

Conclusion The complex factors influencing help-seeking and access to services require that health promotion interventions embrace a social model of health. Clients attitudes and beliefs about health and health services need to be considered within a cultural context taking into account the sociological and environmental conditions in which they live. When providing health service to young men, issues such as com munication, and vulnerability should be considered and it should not be assumed that young men would prefer to see male health professionals.