Investigating the Reasons for Not Referring Men to Health Centers to Receive Health Services

Introduction: A healthy society requires a healthy family. Studies have shown that men are more affected by the disease than women, and their mortality rate is higher than women. However, many men do not go to health centers to receive health services, so this study was conducted to investigate why men do not go to health centers. Method: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in 2020 on 380 men over 18. Data were collected using a two-part questionnaire including demographic questions and factors affecting men's lack of referral to health centers. The sampling method was multi-stage. Data analysis was performed by SPSS16 statistical software using an independent t-test, analysis of variance, and Scheffe post hoc tests. Results: According to the results of the study, non-referral to the centers had a significant relationship with ethnicity (p = 0.023) and level of education (p < 0.001). At the same time, there was no significant relationship between age, marriage, economic status, or occupation (p> 0.05). The inadequate physical condition of health centers (82.95 ±14.67) and lack of trust in health personnel (82.95 ±14.67) of the most important, as well as insufficient information and knowledge (61.22 ± 25.37). The least important factors were the lack of referral of men to health centers. Conclusion: According to the findings, the need to improve the physical condition of the centers and confidentiality, the confidentiality of information, proper treatment of people, and enhancing personnel skills is important. These cases have been suggested to health managers so that with appropriate policies and planning, we can see an increase in the number of men going to the centers.