Canuto Kootsy, Gaweda Celina, Kennedy Corey, Clinch Douglas, Brickley Bryce, Black Oliver, Neate Rosie, Canuto Karla J, Stokes Cameron, Ah Mat Gracie, Towers Kurt
College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Darwin, NT, Australia; and Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia; and College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia.
Aust J Prim Health. 2025 Sep;31. doi: 10.1071/PY25070.
Background Improving engagement and utilisation of Primary Health Care Services (PHCS) by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males is critical to advancing current physical and mental health outcomes among the subgroup with the highest burden of disease in Australia. PHCS are a first point of contact, coordinating services essential in preventing and managing these conditions. A Men's Group was established within a South Australian Aboriginal PHCS as a strategy to address documented barriers of access to health care. This study aimed to explore participant experiences and perspectives of the Men's Group initiative to inform the program. Methods This Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led qualitative study used an Aboriginal Participatory Action Research (APAR) framework and a Continuous Quality Improvement approach to gather and transfer Indigenous Knowledges. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men attending the Men's Group. Data were analysed using thematic network analysis. Results Thirty two participants were interviewed in total. Five global themes were identified: (1) Facilitates and strengthens social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB), (2) Acquiring health knowledge and care is valued, (3) Provide greater opportunities to strengthen connection to culture, (4) Foster individual and collective self-determination, and (5) Improve access and enhance program delivery. Conclusions This study demonstrates the effectiveness of APAR to enhance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male engagement with PHCS through prioritising their voices to co-design a culturally responsive male health program. The findings illustrate profound SEWB, empowerment and health awareness outcomes, resulting from engaging in the newly established, localised Men's Group.
背景 提高澳大利亚原住民和托雷斯海峡岛民男性对初级卫生保健服务（PHCS）的参与度和利用率，对于改善澳大利亚疾病负担最重的这一亚群体目前的身心健康状况至关重要。初级卫生保健服务是第一接触点，负责协调预防和管理这些疾病所需的服务。南澳大利亚州的一个原住民初级卫生保健机构内成立了一个男性团体，作为解决已记录的医疗保健获取障碍的一项策略。本研究旨在探索男性团体倡议的参与者体验和观点，以为该项目提供信息。方法 这项由原住民和托雷斯海峡岛民主导的定性研究采用了原住民参与式行动研究（APAR）框架和持续质量改进方法来收集和传递本土知识。由参加男性团体的原住民和托雷斯海峡岛民男性进行并参与半结构化访谈。使用主题网络分析法对数据进行分析。结果 总共采访了32名参与者。确定了五个总体主题：（1）促进和加强社会和情感福祉（SEWB），（2）获取健康知识和保健受到重视，（3）提供更多机会加强与文化的联系，（4）促进个人和集体的自决，以及（5）改善获取途径并加强项目实施。结论 本研究表明，APAR通过优先考虑原住民和托雷斯海峡岛民男性的声音，共同设计一个具有文化响应性的男性健康项目，从而提高他们对初级卫生保健服务的参与度，是有效的。研究结果表明，参与新成立的本地化男性团体带来了深刻的社会和情感福祉、赋权和健康意识成果。
