Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander men have the worst health of any group in Australia. Despite this, relevant policies do not specifically explain how the issue will be improved. Existing research demonstrates the complexity of the problems facing Australian Indigenous men. The intersection of masculinity and Indigeneity, compounded by colonisation, historical policies, stigma, marginalisation, trauma, grief and loss of identity are key factors that shape these poor health outcomes. These outcomes are acknowledged in federal and some state government policies but not implemented. The article argues for a holistic and decolonised approach to Australian Aboriginal men’s health. Effective models of intervention to improve men’s health outcomes include men’s health clinics, men’s groups, Men’s Sheds, men’s health camps/bush adventure therapy, fathering groups and mentoring programs. Further research needs to be undertaken, with a greater emphasis on preventative health measures, adequate specific funding, culturally and gender appropriate responses to health, and government policy development and implementation covering Aboriginal male health.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	Aboriginal men's health, sociology, masculinity, gender, health, health inequality, Indigenous sociology, medical sociology, sociology
Research Division:	Indigenous Studies
Research Group:	Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing
Research Field:	Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander public health and wellbeing
Objective Division:	Indigenous
Objective Group:	Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
Objective Field:	Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health status and outcomes
UTAS Author:	Prehn, J (Dr Jacob Prehn)
UTAS Author:	Ezzy, D (Professor Douglas Ezzy)
ID Code:	136368
Year Published:	2020
Web of Science® Times Cited:	1
Deposited By:	Social Work
Deposited On:	2019-12-17
Last Modified:	2021-03-09
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