Föräldraledighetens påverkan på mäns hälsa. En litteraturbaserad studie om sambandet mellan pappaledighet och hälsa utifrån riskbeteende och maskulinitet.
FaderskapHälsoeffekterMaskulinitetPappaledighetRiskfaktorerFatherhoodHealth effectsMasculinityPaternity leaveRisk factors
Introduction: Although life expectancy had increased in Sweden for many decades and several health problems had diminished over time, there was no change in men's risk behaviour regarding for instance high alcohol and tobacco consumption. Many of the gender differences in health that existed in society explained were due to power structures and beliefs about behaviour based on gender; a social construction that resulted in the relatively high valuation of men with a more masculine behaviour. Aim: This literature review aimed to study and identify the scientific knowledge regarding paternity leave and its impact on men's health. Method: A literature- based study design was used and the material consisted of peer-reviewed articles from which six themes were identified: alcohol, tobacco, stress, isolation, social support and mortality risk. Results: Divided into three parts, the results described the socioeconomic background of the men who took paternity leave, as well as the impact of paternity leave and masculinity as an impact on men's health. Men who were more equal, had a high socioeconomic position and were less likely to behave along traditional masculine norms were the most likely to take paternity leave. Paternity leave was associated with reducing or quitting smoking and parental leave from 30 to 60 days was associated with reduced mortality risk. The distinction between masculine and feminine parenting was important for men and affected the gender distribution of both childcare and household chores. Discussion/Conclusion: The political gender equality work to reducing the gender differences in health should actively aim to prevent distinctions of masculinity and femininity on many spheres of society.