The effects of social marginalization and health are well-documented, revealing a complex association between health perceptions and health behavior. This is especially evident among socially marginalized men. These men have varying health challenges and engage in risky health behaviors, such as alcohol drinking, tobacco smoking, and lack of physical activity. The ethnographic study including 200 hr of participant observations and 25 interviews with socially marginalized men aged 45–65 showed that health was perceived as related to the ability to participate in daily life activities, such as getting around effortlessly and the ability to work. Overall, the results provide important insight into how health perceptions and health behaviors are embedded in the men's everyday lives. This knowledge may be used by health professionals in providing and developing health services.

Link:

https://vbn.aau.dk/da/publications/on-the-edge-of-the-bench-an-ethnographic-study-on-health-among-so

More information:

Mette Grønkjær, Clinical Professor, Department of Clinical Medicine, The Faculty of Medicine, AAU, metteg@dcm.aau.dk