The Experience of Male Volunteers Who Conduct Health Promotion Activities in the Community

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the experience of male health promotion volunteers（hereafter “male volunteers”）in conducting community health activities and to develop plans to support them.

Method: We conducted a semi-structured interview of 12 men with at least two years’ experience as health promotion volunteers in municipalities of Prefecture A. We then performed qualitative and inductive analyses of the interview data.

Results: The male volunteers’ experiences were classified into the following 11categories: awkwardness in joining female-dominated activities; confidence in the ability to carry out activities; serious attitude toward taking responsibility; activity management in which strengths of both men and women are utilized; willingness to work with the local government; facing issues arising from volunteer activities; planning activities people wish to participate in; keeping appropriate distance from other staff members; realization that socializing with local people leads to good health; perceived changes in life; and a broader view of community development.

Discussion: In spite of the awkwardness associated with joining female-dominated activities, the male volunteers recognized the importance of male-female collaboration and their own strength to carry the activities forward. They also offered their male perspectives in planning activities and learned to promote health by interacting with local people．While trying to understand male volunteers’ experiences, public health nurses should deliberately promote harmonious working relationships among staff members and make them aware of their own experience as it relates to their motivation so that male volunteers can maximize their strengths.