Factors Affecting the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Men in Nursing: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis.

Seventy research papers were included in the systematic review examining factors affecting the mental health and wellbeing of male nurses and nursing students.

• The review followed the five steps outlined by Gregory and Denniss for conducting a systematic literature review and narrative synthesis.
• The review was broad enough to include both practicing male nurses and male nursing students.
• A narrative synthesis approach was used to synthesize findings across the 70 included papers.

Three major categories of factors negatively impacting the mental health and wellbeing of male nurses and students were identified.

• The three major categories were: 'Social and Cultural Stigma', 'Institutional and Workplace Exclusion', and 'Hostility and Vulnerability in Practice'.
• Within these three categories, eight distinct factors were described.
• These categories reflect both systemic and interpersonal challenges faced by men in nursing.

Social and Cultural Stigma was identified as a major category negatively affecting the mental health and wellbeing of male nurses and students.

• This theme captures challenges arising from broader societal and cultural perceptions of men working in a female-dominated profession.
• Men entering nursing face distinct impacts on mental health and wellbeing associated with working in female-dominated occupations.
• The number of men entering nursing has steadily increased over recent decades, making these issues of growing relevance.

Institutional and Workplace Exclusion was identified as a major category affecting the mental health and wellbeing of male nurses and students.

• This theme reflects systemic challenges within healthcare institutions and workplace environments.
• Findings highlight systemic challenges as distinct from interpersonal challenges faced by male nurses.
• This category suggests structural barriers exist within nursing workplaces that affect men's mental health and wellbeing.

Hostility and Vulnerability in Practice was identified as a major category affecting the mental health and wellbeing of male nurses and students.

• This theme captures interpersonal challenges encountered in clinical practice settings.
• Male nurses contributing unique perspectives and skills nonetheless face distinct mental health impacts in female-dominated settings.
• This category encompasses experiences of hostility and situations of vulnerability specific to male nurses in practice environments.

The findings provide a foundation for developing targeted, evidence-based strategies to address mental health challenges faced by male nurses and students.

• The review offers 'a foundation for future research, hypothesis generation and the development of targeted, evidence-based strategies to address these issues.'
• The authors note that male nurses contribute unique perspectives and skills, underscoring the value of addressing barriers to their wellbeing.
• The findings highlight both systemic and interpersonal challenges that need to be addressed through future interventions.