Clinical summary guide

Engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men in primary healthcare services

10 min

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, as a group, are among the most disadvantaged in Australia when it comes to health.

Increasing access to culturally safe services, health workers and health information is key to engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men in the primary healthcare system.

This article provides strategies to improve how services and health professionals support the holistic wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men in their community. 

Barriers to accessing health services for aboriginal and torres strait islander men

There are a number of barriers that affect the way Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men engage with the health system and access health services, in particular, the pathway from one service to another when managing multiple health issues. 

Strategies for health services to engage men from remote communities

The cultural diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities means that what works in one setting may not work in another. 

For example, remote communities may have a stronger need for a male-specific space compared with urban settings where there is likely greater integration and interaction with non-Indigenous people. Seeking feedback from the community is important.

Overcoming language and health system barriers

In remote communities, English is often the second language and men may not be familiar with a clinical environment. 

Using remote clinics effectively

Culturally appropriate engagement

Strategies for gps and other health professionals to engage aboriginal and torres strait islander men

For many men, attending a health service can be a negative experience. For example, when blood or urine collection is needed. Trying to make the visit a pleasant experience will help ensure that men return and feel comfortable to open up about health concerns, particularly more sensitive and personal issues. 

Men will often talk to their family and friends when they have had a positive health experience — word-of-mouth is one of the best ways to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men to attend health services.

Supporting cultural respect

Adopting a holistic approach to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health is important. This includes not just the physical wellbeing of an individual but also the social, emotional and cultural wellbeing of the whole community.

Working in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector can be challenging for doctors and healthcare professionals who have been educated in a Western approach to health service provision.

It is important that non-Indigenous health professionals delivering services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people undergo cultural competency training.

This provides valuable insight into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perceptions and the basic tools to avoid cultural pitfalls. When cultural respect is shown and real progress can be made.

Cultural respect is particularly important for older Aboriginal men. Health professionals should take a considered approach to sensitive subjects, such as sexual health.

Strategies to talk about sexual health with aboriginal and torres strait islander men

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men can find it hard to open up and discuss personal and sensitive health issues, particularly if they see someone other than their usual doctor. If a man visits the same doctor regularly and feels comfortable with them, he is more likely to initiate discussion.

For sexual health matters, it is particularly important for health professionals to be aware of cultural protocols.

Healthy Male would like to thank the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Male Health Reference Group for guidance and input into the development and ongoing review of this guide.

References

Wenitong et al., 2014. Engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men in primary care settings. Medical Journal of Australia

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Engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men in primary healthcare services

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