Men's health needs in primary care MEN'S HEALTH NEEDS IN PRIMARY CARE: USER EMBRACEMENT AND FORMING LINKS WITH USERS AS STRENGTHENERS OF

Objective: This study aimed to assess the health needs of males who were service users of a primary healthcare center in the city of Belo Horizonte in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods: This is qualitative research and has health needs as its category of analysis. Interviews were held with 27 men aged 20-59 years old in the period March- June 2012. The data was subjected to thematic analysis. Results: The results showed that embracing and forming links with service users stood out as strengtheners of comprehensive health care and recognition of the health needs of the group studied. Conclusion: The ability of professionals and services to embrace users, translating, and building seamless and appropriate care for this public's health needs is fundamental for the value of the use of the health work to be recognized, and for the men to recognize themselves as agents of their care and their needs