Men's help-seeking behavior with regards to lower bowel symptoms.

Objective: To explore the barriers to help-seeking among men experiencing lower bowel symptoms.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 men recruited via purposive sampling. Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed, and analyzed thematically.

Results: Misinterpretation of the symptoms and the attribution of the symptoms to non-medical causes were common barriers to help-seeking. Other barriers include the cost of consulting a GP, llow level of confidence in consultation, and fear of cancer diagnosis. Some participants did not seek medical advice as the symptoms were intermittent or resolved with over-the-counter medications.

Conclusion: There is a need for health promotion campaigns for men with regards to seeking timely medical advice for lower bowel symptoms.