Noraida Endut, Reyhaneh Bagheri, Azman Azwan Azmawati, Intan Hashimah Mohd Hashim, Nor Hafizah Selamat, Leila Mohajer,
Volume 19, Issue 7 (7-2021)
Abstract
Background: This article is an extension of a previous research on masculinity and sexual and reproductive health by applying a newly developed local masculinity scale, KANITA Masculinity Scale, to study men’s masculine gender-role attitudes and behaviors in Malaysia.
Objective: To explore how Malaysian men’s masculine gender-role attitudes and behaviors influence sexual relationships and reproductive health.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study used the localized gender-equitable men scale to measure the attitudes of Malaysian men toward sexual relationships and reproductive health. A questionnaire survey was administered to a sample of 168 men of ages 20-64 yr, in Malaysia. Data were analyzed by using SmartPLS version 3.2.6.
Results: The findings of the study showed that men’s traditional behaviors and controlling nature are positively associated with the inequality in sexual relationships (p < 0.05, t = 1.838; and p < 0.05, t = 3.750, respectively) and reproductive health (p < 0.05, t = 2.196; and p < 0.05, t = 4.133, respectively). In other words, men who offer stronger endorsement of traditional behaviors and control over women report more negative condom attitudes and greater priority of men’s desires in sexual relationships. In contrast, there were not significant relationships between men’s responses to family and feminine roles in men with sexual relationships and reproductive health.
Conclusion: Our findings highlight the importance of considering traditional masculinity ideology when considering the role of men in sexual relationships and reproductive health. Our findings suggest gender transformative policies and programs seeking to inspire men for more gender-equitable relationships with their partners.
