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Investigating men's perspectives on preventive healthcare within general practice: a qualitative study

Ruth Mursa , Gemma McErlean, Christopher Patterson, Elizabeth Halcomb

Abstract

Background: Chronic conditions are a major health concern. Most Australian males are overweight or obese and half live with at least one chronic health condition. Many chronic conditions are preventable and treatable by reducing lifestyle risk factors. General practice delivers a range of services, including preventive healthcare. However, males have been noted to have low engagement with general practice. This study aimed to investigate men's perspectives on preventive healthcare within general practice. Methods: 17 semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of Australian men recruited from the NSW Rural Fire Service following an initial survey. Interviews sought to explore men’s perspectives on engagement in preventive healthcare within general practice. Data were thematically analysed. Results: Two sub themes were identified relating to men’s engagement in preventive healthcare within general practice. ‘The scope of general practice services’ highlighted diverse understandings among men’s perceptions of the role and value of preventive healthcare. Whilst ‘addressing lifestyle risk factors’ revealed the nature of communication and advice provided within general practice concerning lifestyle risks and behavioural change. The findings indicated that when advice is provided, men want tangible and meaningful healthcare strategies that support them in making behavioural changes. Conclusions: General practice providers need to prioritise preventive healthcare. Proactively addressing preventive healthcare with men and supporting them to make informed decisions about their lifestyle choices, has the potential to enhance their health and reduce chronic health conditions. Keywords: chronic conditions, general practice, general practice nurses, general practitioners, male, men, preventive healthcare.

PY24151  Accepted 04 February 2025

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