A paradigm shift in African men and health- the case of oral health

Abstract

It has been widely documented that men, especially those of African origin, will seek medical attention only when they experience serious ill health. In African settings, this reluctance is mostly influenced by their dominant masculine structures. Other barriers which have been documented include socio-economic status, peer influences, lack of awareness and inadequate knowledge. This unfortunately places African men at a disadvantage which results in their forfeiting some of the benefits of preventive health care.