Understanding the preferences of Australian men for accessing health information
Nicolette A. Hodyl
A , Kirsten Hogg B , Desley Renton C , Simon von Saldern B and Rob McLachlan B D E F
A Vertex Health, 260 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, Vic. 3000, Australia.
B Healthy Male, Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia.
C Renton and Co, 22 Trugo Lane, Footscray, Melbourne, Vic. 3011, Australia.
D Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic. 3168, Australia.
E Department of Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Vic. 3168, Australia.
F Corresponding author. Email: rob.mclachlan@hudson.org.au
Australian Journal of Primary Health 26(2) 153-160 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY19142
Submitted: 16 July 2019 Accepted: 23 November 2019 Published: 13 February 2020
Abstract
With men currently reporting an increased desire to manage their own health, this mixed-methods study aimed to identify the preferred communication channels to support their access to information. Adult cisgender men (n = 410) completed an anonymous survey that assessed current methods, preferences and barriers to accessing health information for general, minor, serious and private health concerns. Seven focus groups, attended by 69 men, further explored health-seeking behaviour. Survey results demonstrated the top methods to access information were through the GP or specialist and online searches, with rates differing by age and the type of health concern. Most men (>85%) reported information-seeking for serious concerns, while ~30% did not seek information for minor or private issues. For all ages, the top preferred methods for accessing information included GP or specialists, online searches and pharmacists, with other preferences varying by age, severity and sensitivity. Analysis of the focus group discussions revealed five key themes that help explain men’s decisions and actions about seeking health-information: (i) denial; (ii) delayed information seeking; (iii) social constructs of masculinity; (iv) difficulty initiating discussions about health; and (v) perceived trust and validity of information. This study has provided insight into how information can be tailored to communicate effectively with men of different ages. This will support appropriate health-seeking behaviours in response to minor, serious and private health concerns.
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