Investing in men’s health in Australia

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Title

Medical Journal of Australia

Publisher

Australasian Medical Publishing Company Ltd

School

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

Comments

Smith, J. A., Adams, M. & Bronson, J. (2018). Investing in men's health in Australia. Medical Journal of Australia, 208(1), 67-67. doi:10.5694/mja17.00173

Available here.

Abstract

Research has consistently shown a sex differential in illness and mortality between men and women.1 It is widely acknowledged that this difference relates to a combination of biological and sociological factors, including the social construction of gender.1,2 Empirical evidence shows that life expectancy among men in Australia has raised slightly over the past decade.1 However, the report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare The health of Australia’s males1 indicates that some men make healthy lifestyle choices and have positive health outcomes. About two-thirds of men participate in sports or physical activities, nearly 40% discuss health lifestyle concerns with a health professional, 20% rate their health as excellent, and survival rates for prostate cancer and testicular cancer in Australia are improving.1 Yet, popular wisdom would have us believe that men are stoic and do not seek help or use health services.2 There are clear indications that the tides are changing.

DOI

10.5694/mja17.00173

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