[Male identity traits and young men's health].

This work is mainly aimed to analyze the meaning given by young men to masculinity. By this analysis, discussions involving integral attention to them in health care field can advance. Our methodology is characterized by case study under the social sciences perspective and with hermeneutic-dialectical approach involving 19 male youngsters aged 15 to 17. About the observed results, young men associated being male with playing household provider, dominating man, heterosexual and caregiver roles. This association occurs through dialectical process reflecting the subjective complexity in accepting or rejecting the identity marks. Within this study conclusions, it is emphasized the public heath care need of listening young men's voice about their identity to involve them in health care prevention and promotion actions, assuring to these social agents--traditionally not seen as health care agents--to find a way and different relationship with this area.