Citation

Macdonald J. Int. J. Mens Health 2011; 10(1): 82-96.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Men's Studies Press)

DOI

10.3149/jmh.1001.82

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Theoretically, health-related policies are driven by an assessment of population need and are based on evidence of both need and resources. In practice, however, many other factors and stakeholders exert an influence. As regards boys and men's health in Australia, and arguably in other countries also, the driving forces have rather been culturally or professionally driven priorities (sometime reinforcing one another). The results have not always been to the benefit of male health. This article suggests that the recent Australian Male Health Policy marks a departure from prevailing mind-sets and practice and in so doing charts a way towards a more rational and compassionate view of men, and hopefully more effective professional practice. The change in perspective involved can help bring about a cultural shift which will have benefits for all Australian males and thereby the entire population. © 2011 by the Men's Studies Press, LLC. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Australia; masculinity; human; femininity; suicide; male; professional practice; mortality; Masculinity; strength; review; obesity; alcohol abuse; consultation; health care policy; smoking; cholesterol blood level; priority journal; health service; cholesterol; health status; medical society; medical research; employment; health care; primary health care; impotence; health hazard; health care need; erectile dysfunction; diabetes mellitus; heart disease; prostate cancer; resource management; testis cancer; men's health; educational status; immobilization; dutasteride; prostate hypertrophy; tamsulosin; incontinence; outcome assessment; lifestyle modification; spiritual care; colon cancer; community living; Social determinants of health; Male health policy; male infertility; prostate biopsy; prostatectomy