The Dynamics of Community Education in Male Reproductive Health: Findings from an Australian Study

Abstract

A significant number of men are affected by reproductive health disorders; however, the level of awareness and education for some disorders is limited. Our aim was to explore the dynamics of community education activities being undertaken in Australia that address or include information on male reproductive health issues, to identify health promotion initiatives that help raise the awareness of male reproductive health disorders. A survey was distributed to medical practitioners, health services and community organisations across Australia to identify organisations providing male reproductive health information. Those organisations that had evaluated their activity were further analysed to determine if their focus was effectively providing education on male reproductive disorders. Of the 299 education activities reporting the inclusion of male reproductive health information, prostate cancer was the most commonly addressed health issue (55.5%). Only 89 activities (29.8%) had been evaluated by the education providers, to determine whether their aims had been met. Several factors were found to have an impact on the perceived success of education activities, including (i) the focus, but only for prostate cancer, prostate disease and testicular cancer activities (ii) method of delivery (face-to-face group presentations and one-on-one discussions), and (iii) location (remote areas). While the overall evaluation of community education activities focusing on male reproductive health is limited, several factors have been identified from this survey that may impact on the success of future male specific health promotion activities.