Microsoft Word - IJHHS IMAM 23rd ASC 2022


  
 

 S24

Qualitative Exploration of Men’s Opinion on the Features of Male-Friendly Primary Health 
Services in Kelantan, Malaysia  
  
Muhammad Zikri Ab Aziz1, Tengku Alina Tengku Ismail1, Mohd Ismail Ibrahim1, Najib Majdi 
Yaacob1, Zakiah Mohd Said2  
 
Objectives: This study explores men’s opinions on the features of male-friendly primary health services 
in Kelantan, Malaysia.  
Methods: A qualitative study using in-depth interviews was conducted among 15 men from six primary 
health clinics in Kelantan, Malaysia. The participants were selected using a maximum variation 
sampling method. An interview guide was used, and the interviews were audio-recorded. The finding 
was transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis techniques.  
Results: The age of the participants ranged from 31 to 70 years old. Their opinions on how male-
friendly primary health services should be were explained under four themes:(i) meeting the men’s 
needs in primary health services, (ii) approaching men through effective health promotion strategies, 
(iii) standards of a healthcare provider from men’s viewpoint, and (iv) a comfortable physical 
environment for men. The participants view that health services should be efficient by providing short 
waiting times and high-quality services, including men’s health services. In addition, the health 
promotion approaches and styles should consider local men’s culture and interests and be appropriately 
implemented. Besides that, they expected a standard of healthcare provider’s characteristics, including 
commitment to work, admirable attitudes and behaviour, and professional work practices. They also 
expected the health clinics to have a comfortable environment to wait, discuss with the doctors, and be 
equipped with visitor-friendly amenities.  
Conclusion: Understanding the men’s opinions on the features of male-friendly primary health services 
would give clear and accurate information about their needs and demands in relation to this service. In 
addition, the identified themes and features may guide the improvement of the services and men’s 
engagement in the future.    
 
Keywords: Opinions, Male-friendly, Primary health, Qualitative  
   

1. School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang 
Kerian, 16150, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia  
2. Family Health Development Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia, 62590, Putrajaya, 
Malaysia  

  

 

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Correspondence to: Muhammad Zikri Ab Aziz, DrPH Candidate, School of Medical Sciences, 
Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, 16150, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia, 
zikriabaziz89@gmail.com 

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.31344/ijhhs.v7i70.526