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Background Males have a shorter life expectancy than females. Men are less likely to seek the advice of a health professional or utilise preventive health services and programs. This study seeks to explore health literacy and the characteristics affecting this among Australian men. Methods Four hundred and thirty-one adult males engaged with the New South Wales Rural Fire Service, completed an online cross-sectional survey, undertaken from September – November 2022. The survey tool captured demographic data, health status and lifestyle risk characteristics. Health literacy was measured using the 44-item Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ). Descriptive statistics, frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations, were used to describe the sample. Interferential statistics, including the Mann-Whitney U Test and the Kruskal-Wallis Test, were used to explore differences between demographics and HLQ scales. Results For the first 5 scales (4-point Likert scale), the lowest score was seen for ‘ Appraisal of health information ’ (Mean 2.81; SD 0.52) and the highest score was seen for ‘ Feeling understood and supported by healthcare providers ’ ( Mean 3.08; SD 0.64). For the other 4 scales (5-point Likert scale), the lowest score was seen for ‘Navigating the healthcare system’ (Mean 3.74; SD 0.69). The highest score was seen for ‘Understand health information well enough to know what to do’ (Mean 4.10; SD 0.53). Age, income level and living in an urban/rural location were significantly related to health literacy scales. Conclusions This study provides new insight into men’s health literacy and the factors impacting it. This knowledge can inform future strategies to promote men’s engagement with health services and preventive care.

ObjectiveThis study sought to explore the experiences of Australian primary healthcare (PHC) nurses in the use of telehealth during COVID-19. Telehealth was defined as the use of any telecommunications mode (eg, telephone and videoconferencing) to deliver healthcare.Design and settingThematic analysis of qualitative interviews undertaken in Australian PHC.ParticipantsTwenty-five PHC nurses who had participated in a national survey about their experiences during COVID-19 were recruited using purposive sampling.MethodsSemistructured telephone interviews were conducted from June to August 2020. Interviews lasted a mean of 38.5 min. They were audio-recorded and transcribed before thematic analysis was undertaken. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research were followed.ResultsFour overarching themes were identified: preparedness, accessibility of telehealth, care experience and impacts on the PHC nurses’ role. Some nurses were experienced in the use of telehealth, while others indicated a lack of preparation and limited appropriate technology to support its use. Telehealth enabled patients to access care but did not support complex clinical assessment. Participants indicated that patient engagement in telehealth was dependent on access and confidence using technology, perceived safety when physically attending the practice and the value they placed on care via telehealth. Many participants expressed frustration about telehealth funding and its impact on facilitating nurses to practise to their full scope.ConclusionTelehealth has provided a means to continue PHC service delivery during COVID-19. While there are advantages to adopting this technology, considerations of the challenges and lessons from this experience are important to inform the future implementation of telehealth initiatives.

Introduction: As males are less engaged with healthcare than females, they often present when a condition is more advanced, reducing the potential for early intervention. Little is known about why men are less engaged and what influences them to be more proactive. This study sought to explore men’s experiences of engagement with general practice. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was nested within a sequential mixed-methods project. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 17 male staff and volunteers of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service about their experiences, attitudes, and preferences for general practice engagement. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data. Results: Five sub-themes emerged about men’s engagement with general practice. “Reasons for engagement” revealed motivations for seeking healthcare. “Seeking validation” explained how social influences impacted engagement. The “importance of relationships” highlighted the value men place on trust with the healthcare provider/team, and how this impacts engagement. “Interpersonal communication” addressed preferences for direct and authentic communication. Finally, “barriers to engagement” revealed the challenges in accessing care. Conclusions: Awareness of the barriers and facilitators to men’s engagement with general practice can inform strategies to improve care. This study suggests that health professionals play a crucial role in building therapeutic relationships with men and partnering with them in their healthcare journey to improve engagement and health outcomes.

Purpose COVID‐19 has presented health care professionals with unprecedented challenges. Significant risks have emerged as nurses have continued to work in delivering frontline health care during the pandemic. Feeling “at risk” has significant deleterious effects on nurses. The study sought to explore the perceptions of risk by Australian primary health care nurses (PHC) during COVID‐19. Methods Twenty‐five Australian PHC nurses were purposively recruited from survey respondents who indicated a willingness to be interviewed. Phone interviews were undertaken between June and August 2020. Audio‐recordings were transcribed and analyzed thematically. Findings Participants shared concerns about risks in the workplace that emerged during COVID‐19 and described the strategies used to mitigate these identified risks. Three themes were identified: (a) Professional concerns, (b) Personal/family concerns, and (c) Patient needs. Conclusions Understanding PHC nurses’ perceptions of risk during COVID‐19 provides an important insight into how they can be better supported to manage the risks that they face and feel safer in their workplace. Ensuring that PHC nurses are well‐supported is important to optimize job satisfaction, reduce burnout and improve patient care. Clinical Relevance There is a need to ensure that nurses feel safe during crises such as pandemics to protect both individual nurses and the broader workforce. Protecting the health workforce is essential to optimizing service delivery and promoting health outcomes.

Chronic conditions, or non-communicable diseases, are major health concerns of global significance, resulting in ill health, disability and premature death.

BackgroundChronic conditions are a major health concern. Most Australian men are overweight or obese and half live with at least one chronic health condition. Many chronic conditions are preventable and treatable by reducing lifestyle risk factors. General practice delivers a range of services, including preventive health care; however, men have been noted to have low engagement with general practice. This study aimed to investigate men’s perspectives on preventive health care within general practice.MethodsSeventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of Australian men recruited from the NSW Rural Fire Service following an initial survey. Interviews sought to explore men’s perspectives on engagement in preventive health care within general practice. Data were thematically analysed.ResultsTwo sub-themes were identified relating to men’s engagement in preventive health care within general practice. ‘The scope of general practice services’ highlighted diverse understandings among men’s perceptions of the role and value of preventive health care. Whereas ‘addressing lifestyle risk factors’ revealed the nature of communication and advice provided within general practice concerning lifestyle risks and behavioural change. The findings indicated that when advice is provided, men want tangible and meaningful healthcare strategies that support them in making behavioural changes.ConclusionsGeneral practice clinicians need to prioritise preventive health care. Proactively addressing preventive health care with men and supporting them to make informed decisions about their lifestyle choices has the potential to enhance their health and reduce chronic health conditions.

Current estimates indicate that some 75% of males in Australia are affected by overweight or obesity. Males are more likely to smoke, consume fewer fruits and vegetables, drink too much alcohol, and be less physically active than females.

Current estimates indicate that some 75% of males in Australia are affected by overweight or obesity.1 Males are more likely to smoke, consume fewer fruits and vegetables, drink too much alcohol, and be less physically active than females.3 Over a third of the disease burden in males is potentially preventable through lifestyle risk factor reduction.2 Most Australians' first point of contact with the health system is in general practice.4 Beyond managing acute episodes of illness, the multidisciplinary general practice team supports individuals and families to maintain their physical and mental wellbeing and to prevent future ill health by proactive screening and risk reduction. To reach a defined group of men with varying education levels, demographic characteristics, health status, and the geographical distribution across metropolitan and regional/rural areas, the study is being undertaken in partnership with the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS). Authors Ruth Mursa, PhD Candidate, RNNP MN(NP) is in the School of Nursing, Faculty of Science, Medicine & Health, University of Wollongong, NSW Australia Dr Elizabeth Halcomb RN PhD FACN, is Professor of PHC Nursing, School of Nursing, Faculty of Science, Medicine & Health, University of Wollongong, NSW Australia Dr Christopher Patterson RN PhD MN(MH) is Senior Lecturer, School of Nursing, Faculty of Science, Medicine & Health, University of Wollongong, NSW Australia Dr Gemma McErlean RN PhD MPH (Health Promotion) is Senior Lecturer, School of Nursing, Faculty of Science, Medicine & Health, University of Wollongong, NSW Australia References 1.