Why you should read this article:

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To familiarise yourself with the concept of masculinity ideology

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To improve your knowledge of the influence that masculinity ideology has on a person’s self-care behaviours

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To understand how Orem’s self-care theory can provide a conceptual framework for men’s health

Masculinity ideology, particularly traditional masculinity ideology, has been identified as an influential factor in the healthcare decisions taken by men. Orem’s theory of self-care can be applied to explain the influence that masculinity ideology has on a person’s self-care behaviours. Use of Orem’s theory can give nurses a conceptual frame of reference by which they can examine masculinity ideology in its relation to self-care behaviours among men of various races and cultural backgrounds.