Men’s health-related stereotypes as a risk factor for disease

The article presents the results of a nationwide sociological study that examines sociocultural attitudes and daily practices of men regarding their health. The empirical basis of the study is data from an online survey of 6,280 men from eight federal districts of Russia, with representative quota sampling by age groups (18 years and older). The analysis identifies four key categories of men's attitudes toward health: reactive-oriented, ne- glectful, non-reflective, and proactive-oriented. Each category demonstrates distinct strategies for health maintenance. The results demonstrate that most men do not engage in systematic health care and tend to either passively avoid preventive measures or consciously neglect their health. This neglect is particularly pronounced among men of active working age. Despite this, respondents exhibit a high level of awareness regarding the factors that contribute to good health. These include healthy nutrition, adequate sleep, work-life balance, regular physical activity, and access to quality medical care. The most common health-saving strategy is a passive “readiness for change,” which suggests only minimal adjustments to habitual lifestyles. This study also pays special attention to the prevalence of stereotypes on everyday practices and perceptions of men’s health. The results indicate that stereotypes linking masculinity with physical endurance and a disregard for well-being, along with a lack of medical awareness, create barriers to seeking timely healthcare and preventing disease among Russian men.

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