Gendered health institutions: examining the organization of health services and men's use of HIV testing in Malawi.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Men in sub-Saharan Africa are less likely to use HIV testing services than their female counterparts. Norms of masculinity are frequently cited as the main barrier to men's use of HIV testing services, but very little is known about how health institutions are organized to facilitate or impede men's care. We examined the organization of health institutions in Malawi, and implications for men's use of HIV testing services.

Methods

A mixed methods ethnography was conducted in Malawi between October 2013 and September 2014. National Ministry of Health guidelines from 2012 to 2014 were analysed, counting the frequency of recommended preventative services by sex. In-depth interviews were conducted with 18 healthcare workers and 11 national key informants (29 total).

SUBMITTER: Dovel K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7319160 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature