After Marriage, We are More Careful: A Qualitative Study on the Role of Unions and Children in Male Health Behavior

In Brazil, little is known about how and to what extent marital unions and paternity are associated with male health outcomes. This article aims to identify mechanisms by which events linked to family formation act in the transformation or maintenance of health behaviors (unhealthy eating, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and reckless driving) of 25 to 39 years-old men, in addition to identifying agents of regu- lation and control. Twenty in-depth interviews were carried out in Belo Horizonte -MG, Brazil, with individuals in a marital union, with and without children, stratified by education level and Urban Life Quality Index (IQVU) of the place of resi- dence. Instrumental support and the normative perspective of social roles were the main mechanisms observed. With regards to regulatory agents, the role of mothers-in-law and religion proved to be especially relevant for the adoption of healthier habits.