This study aimed to identify the social representations of health and disease, as well as the main reasons for seeking medical care among young men (aged 18 and 25) in the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte/MG/Brazil. 100 subjects were interviewed. The data were submitted to recall and content analysis. The analysis of the results obtained indicate a possible relationship, on one hand, among health, maintenance and prevention, through the central elements of well-being and quality of life linked to the demand for medical care in clinics and, on another hand, among disease, repair and suppression of suffering by seeking medical care in hospitals. Such data may help guide suggestions for actions directed to the health of young men, highlighting the need for specific approaches related to disease prevention and health restoration.
Men's health; Young adult; Social psychology
