1 WHAT IS THE COST OF BEING A MAN? : AN ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF MASCULINITY IN NIGERIA. BY

This paper presents findings from a pilot study focusing on men’s perceptions of gender-role ideologies and their sexual and reproductive health. The objective was to examine how gender role ideologies and practices impact on men’s social and health well being in South Eastern region of Nigeria. Data from adolescent and adult men aged 15-75 were collected in this study between April and June 2003 using both quantitative survey interviews (N = 1,372) and qualitative techniques such as focus group discussion (N = 20), in-depth interviews (N = 10) and key informant interviews (N=10) in selected parts of South Eastern Nigeria. We collected data on basic socio-demographic variables, attitudinal questions on gender role ideologies, sexuality issues, HIV/AIDS knowledge, awareness and practices. Our analysis shows that there are social and health costs associated with adherence to masculine ideologies among the Igbo of Nigeria. The study found a strong association between masculine ideologies and men’s health, risk-taking and health-seeking behaviors. Implications of the findings on reproductive health service delivery are highlighted