Why is Men’s Health a target population group?
In considering health services for the various population groups, including men, it is becoming more appropriate, based on solid global research, to broaden our definition of health to include health and wellbeing, to appreciate how the social determinants of health impact so strongly on a population, and to understand that gender is itself an important determinant of health.
To this end, it is more appropriate to address men's health and wellbeing needs in a gendered way. By this we mean that consideration is given to the gender characteristics of both men and women, because each perceive and react differently to health issues and programs.
There is a popular misconception that because men make up approximately half of the population, current health services must be equally catering to their needs. The current data does not support this notion as men often do not access health services until after their health and wellbeing has been seriously affected.
There is also a range of risk factors that impact on men and have the potential to shorten their lifespan. Because of the work that they do and the lifestyles that they lead men are at risk of dying or being seriously injured from road accidents, falls, work accidents, drowning or violence. Men are also more likely to die of alcohol abuse, heart disease, cancers or to commit suicide. It is also concerning for men's health that one-half of the men in Australia are overweight.
Having men as a target population group recognises the diverse experience of being a male that exists in the Tasmanian community. Acknowledging the male experience also assists in the development of policies and strategic plans that pertain to men's health and wellbeing. Having men as a target population group also acknowledges and affirms the valuable part that men play in the community.
Representing men as the broad and diverse population group that they are enhances the positive and unique elements of being male. It also supports an environment conducive to developing enhanced access to services for all men to better manage their health and wellbeing. This benefits men by, advocating for positive male role models, recommending appropriate male orientated health services, targeting specific male health promotion activities and by providing a focus point for male health and wellbeing advocacy.
Having men as a target population group acknowledges the role that men play in not only their own health but in the health and wellbeing of their children and partners. It is also important to appreciate the impact men can have on the early development of their children. Positive role modelling has the potential for men to have a positive effect on their children throughout their lives. There are also many health and wellbeing benefits to be gained for men and their partners by engaging in positive relationships together.
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