Ecological Model of Australian Indigenous Men's Health

Abstract

Background: Indigenous Australian men’s life expectancy is substantially shorter than that of non-Indigenous Australian men. This study is designed to examine the health behaviors, as well as the enablers and barriers to these health behaviors. Method: One hundred and fifty Indigenous Australian men from three different locations (rural, regional, urban) were interviewed about their health behaviors, particularly in relation to eating and physical activity. Findings: The analyses from the perspective of the Ecological Model of Human Development, revealed several themes of importance to men in terms of their current health and/or their ability to improve their health: 1) Community, 2) Discrimination/racism, 3) Partner and family, 4) Broader relationships, 5) Lack of appropriate healthcare facilities 6) Role of the Indigenous man, 7) Employment. Discussion: These findings are discussed within the context of a participatory action research framework, and highlight the importance of broad community-based (rather than individualistic) approaches to promoting health behavior in Indigenous men.