What do we know about men's help-seeking and health service use?

Authors

James A. Smith, University of Adelaide
Annette J. Braunack-Mayer, University of WollongongFollow
Gary Wittert, University of Adelaide

RIS ID

127759

Publication Details

Smith, J. A., Braunack-Mayer, A. & Wittert, G. (2006). What do we know about men's help-seeking and health service use?. Medical Journal of Australia, 184 (2), 81-83.

Abstract

• Men seek help and use health services less frequently than women do.

• Men’s help-seeking practices and health service use are complex issues involving biological, psychological and sociological considerations.

• Most discussion on men’s help-seeking positions them as reluctant consumers or “behaving badly” with respect to their health.

• Few studies have explored whether health service providers are equipped to deal with men’s health issues appropriately.

• The current health system appears not to be tailored to meet the health needs of men.

• Better collaboration is required across disciplines, to further investigate men’s health using both qualitative and quantitative research methods.