Journal Article

Australian men's helpseeking and engaging with general practice

Mursa, Ruth, Halcomb, Elizabeth, McErlean, Gemma, Patterson, Christopher

2023

Overview

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.

• Publisher: Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation
• Subject: Collaboration / Gender / Mens health / Nursing schools / Preventive medicine