Masculinity and Self-Care Activities Among Mexican Adult Men With Type 2 Diabetes

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• Health habits, including type 2 diabetes self-care, can be influenced by societal constructs of masculinity.
• Limited quantitative research exists on the relationship between masculinity and self-care among Mexican adult men with type 2 diabetes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between masculinity and self-care behaviors in Mexican adult men diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted with 221 adult men with type 2 diabetes.
• Data collected using the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory and Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities questionnaire.
• Correlations and multiple linear regression analyses were performed using SPSS v.26.

Main Results:

• Masculinity showed a negative correlation with self-care in diet (r=-.200, p=.003), blood glucose self-monitoring (r=-.133, p=.038), foot care (r=-.268, p=.001), and oral hygiene (r=-.283, p=.001).
• Specific masculine norms like homophobia, self-reliance, risk-taking, violence, and control over women were negatively associated with self-care.
• Total masculinity significantly predicted lower diabetes self-care, with homophobia and violence being significant negative predictors.

Conclusions:

• Masculinity is negatively associated with essential self-care behaviors in Mexican adult men with type 2 diabetes.
• Addressing specific masculine norms is crucial for improving self-care adherence, glycemic control, and preventing diabetes complications.
• Future interventions should consider the role of masculinity in diabetes management to reduce complications and premature mortality.