Date of Award

1-1-1997

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Edith Cowan University

Degree Name

Master of Nursing

School

School of Nursing

Faculty

Faculty of Health and Human Sciences

First Supervisor

Rycki Maltby

Second Supervisor

Bronwyn Jones

Abstract

The purpose of this non-experimental, quantitative descriptive study was to identify the holistic health educational needs of middle aged men and to consider nursing interventions. Between the ages of forty to sixty years, physical illness can coincide with a cluster of social changes as well as the normal developmental mid-life review. This can result in a prolonged period of physical and emotional stress (Berger, 1994). Mortality statistics demonstrate that, in comparison to women, men in the 25 to 64 age group have higher rates of suicide, motor vehicle accidents, work place injuries, ischaemic heart disease, non gender specific cancers, and alcohol consumption than women. With a disease oriented health system. the total health care needs of men which include prevention and maintenance of health, -appear not to be currently addressed (Pearson, 1993). A convenience sample of seventy Caucasian men aged 40 ~ 60 years living in a metropolitan area fanned the study group. All participants completed the National Wellness Institute, Wisconsin, USA, Lifestyle Assessment Questionnaire. This comprehensive educational/assessment tool holistically examined lifestyle, wellness behaviours, and health risk status. Analysis of the group report has provided indicators of the health educational needs of this group. Knowledge deficits and health topics of interest have been identified. Recommendations include the need for health professionals to be educated, so that they understand the complex sociological, psychological and political variables that influence men's ability to seek, obtain and maintain health at different age differentials. In addition, further research in to the development of gender and age specific health educational materials and programmes is recommended.

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