Background: Boys’ and men’s poor physical and behavioral health outcomes, as well as social determinants of health, have been extensively researched. Disparities facing marginalized subgroups are particularly severe. Federal U.S. policy responses have been lacking, as has research on policy inaction. This study examined barriers to comprehensive federal boys’ and men’s health policy (CFBMHP), and strategies for policy adoption.

Methods: The study engaged a diverse, national, purposive sample of 16 key stakeholders with expertise in health and gender using a two-round mixed methods Policy Delphi. In round one interviews, participants described reasons for the lack of CFBMHP and conditions that would facilitate adoption. After using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis, 46 proposed strategies were presented via survey for assessment by importance and feasibility. Survey data analysis computed means for each strategy and overall themes.

Results: Key themes with top-rated strategies by both importance and feasibility were: 1. Getting at the root with structural problems that impede CFBMHP, 2. Addressing bias with strength-based intersectional approaches (Strategy – take a strength-based approach, not just focus on negative things boys and men bring to the table), 3. Increasing societal value of boys’ and men’s health – Addressing patriarchy and “which men?” concerns (Strategies – stress how men’s health benefits women’s, family, and community health; stress that many boys’ and men’s deaths are preventable), 4. Engaging boys and men effectively in health services and advocacy (Strategy – implement regular holistic health check-ups beginning in adolescence), 5. Creating momentum through strategic communication, coalition, and consensus building (Strategy – highlight successes of relevant existing federal policies). The most highly rated themes across importance and feasibility were three and four.

Discussion: Greater dialogue among key stakeholders appears needed around issue framing so more see this as a social problem in need of policy action. Clearer commitments to women’s, family, and community health, and addressing health disparities facing marginalized men, may increase policy support. Future research may increase study duration and sample, including impacted boys and men, mirroring multi-year consultation processes undertaken in countries that then enacted comprehensive men’s health policies.