Journal Article

A qualitative evaluation of the Enough Talk, Time for Action male health and wellbeing program: a primary health care engagement strategy designed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males

Ah Mat, Gracie, Brickley, Bryce, Canuto, Kootsy, Black, Oliver, Canuto, Karla J., Stokes, Cameron, Clinch, Douglas, Kennedy, Corey, Gaweda, Celina, Neate, Rosie, Towers, Kurt

2025

Overview

BackgroundImproving engagement and utilisation of Primary Health Care Services (PHCS) by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males is critical to advancing current physical and mental health outcomes among the subgroup with the highest burden of disease in Australia. PHCS are a first point of contact, coordinating services essential in preventing and managing these conditions. A Men’s Group was established within a South Australian Aboriginal PHCS as a strategy to address documented barriers of access to health care. This study aimed to explore participant experiences and perspectives of the Men’s Group initiative to inform the program.MethodsThis Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led qualitative study used an Aboriginal Participatory Action Research (APAR) framework and a Continuous Quality Improvement approach to gather and transfer Indigenous Knowledges. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men attending the Men’s Group. Data were analysed using thematic network analysis.ResultsThirty two participants were interviewed in total. Five global themes were identified: (1) Facilitates and strengthens social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB), (2) Acquiring health knowledge and care is valued, (3) Provide greater opportunities to strengthen connection to culture, (4) Foster individual and collective self-determination, and (5) Improve access and enhance program delivery.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the effectiveness of APAR to enhance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male engagement with PHCS through prioritising their voices to co-design a culturally responsive male health program. The findings illustrate profound SEWB, empowerment and health awareness outcomes, resulting from engaging in the newly established, localised Men’s Group.

• Publisher: CSIRO
• Subject: Aboriginal Australians / Action research / Clinical outcomes / Collaboration / Community / Cultural sensitivity / Decolonization / Emotional well being / Empowerment / Groups / Health care access / Health care policy / Health education / Health information / Health planning / Health services utilization / Health status / Indigenous peoples / Males / Men / Mental health / Mental health services / Native peoples / Network analysis / Participatory action research / Primary care / Qualitative research / Quality improvement / Quality management / Self determination / Social network analysis / Social services delivery / Well being