Premium
Physical, psychosocial, and social health of men who identify as bears: a systematic review
Author(s) -
QuidleyRodriguez Narciso,
De Santis Joseph P
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of clinical nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.94
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1365-2702
pISSN - 0962-1067
DOI - 10.1111/jocn.13368
Subject(s) - cinahl , psychosocial , psycinfo , medline , health care , gerontology , psychology , social support , medicine , nursing , social psychology , psychiatry , psychological intervention , political science , law
Aims and objectives This article examines the existing qualitative and quantitative research on physical, psychosocial and social health of men who identify as Bears, a subcultural group in the gay community. Background During the 1980s, one of the first Bear communities emerged in San Francisco. Using the United States as an example, other Bear communities were created throughout the world. Today, Bear‐related organizations and events are found globally. Methods A systematic review was conducted exploring the health of men who identify as Bears. Design To identify articles addressing the health outcomes of men who identify as Bears, the researcher systematically reviewed articles indexed through CINAHL , Psyc INFO , Humanities International Index, Cochrane Library, Medline, and LGBT Life. Results The major findings across the 11 articles were systematically grouped into physical, psychosocial, and social health categories. Men identifying as Bears were more likely to have a higher body mass index, engage in risky sexual behaviours and have a lower self‐esteem. Conclusions Future implications for research and practice regarding the health of men who identify as Bears are addressed. Relevance to clinical practice Men who identify as Bears have unique health care needs and respond to health care providers who are sensitive towards their needs. Health care providers should understand and acknowledge the unique health needs of men who identify as Bears to better care for these men.