Culturally appropriate health solutions: Aboriginal men ‘thriving’ through activities in Men’s Sheds/groups

Abstract

This study examines social determinants impacting the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men in Australia. Social determinants prevent many men from thriving in community environments which also impacts on their social, work and family lives. We examine the impact on men's health and identify how men who participate in Men's Sheds/groups engage in learning about health interventions. Our study extends the work of Percival et al. and their Indigenous health promotion model. A qualitative case study approach conducted 'gatherings' and 'yarning circles' (focus groups) with men from urban, regional and remote areas of the country. We argue that men's groups can serve as a central intervention to support men to build their confidence to learn about health and wellbeing and how to thrive through activities in community life. Findings support health interventions delivered through training and mentoring around various health and other services, healthy eating, sport and fathering programmes (to name a few) to enhance awareness and men's vitality for learning. There are implications for our healthcare system to better understand the conditions of Aboriginal men's health and support these vulnerable groups. Our study proposes men's groups as culturally safe environments to promote and deliver central health promotion interventions that support men to thrive in all facets of their lives.

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