Assessment of Masculinity Constructs and Their Relationship with Health-Seeking Behaviour Among Men in Anambra State

Hegemonic masculinity norms significantly suppress health-seeking behaviour among Nigerian men, contributing to worse health outcomes across multiple disease categories and disproportionate burden on women as informal caregivers. This study assesses the relationship between dominant masculinity constructs and health-seeking behaviour among adult men in Anambra State. A quantitative survey design was employed, with 200 adult men in Awka, Onitsha, and Ekwulobia completing structured questionnaires incorporating the Male Attitude Norms Inventory and a health-seeking behaviour scale. Data were analysed using Spearman rank correlation, regression analysis, and descriptive statistics. Findings reveal a significant negative relationship between adherence to hegemonic masculinity norms and preventive health-seeking, treatment compliance, and mental health disclosure among respondents. Men who score high on stoicism and self-reliance masculinity subscales are significantly less likely to attend screening programmes, seek early treatment for chronic illness symptoms, or disclose mental health difficulties to healthcare providers. Educational attainment and exposure to gender equality messaging are associated with more health-enabling masculinity attitudes. Recommendations include gender-transformative men's health campaigns, integration of masculinity discussions into community health worker training, and workplace health promotion programmes designed to normalise help-seeking for men. Keywords: masculinity, health-seeking behaviour, men, Anambra State, gender norms