Leigh Kinsman1,2, Jan Radford3, Shandell Elmer4, Kathryn Ogden3, Sarah Randles3, Alycia Jacob1, Denise Delphin5, Nettie Burr6, Mick Goss7. 1. Nursing and Midwifery, University of Newcastle, Port Macquarie, NSW, Australia. 2. Nursing and Midwifery, Mid North Coast Local Health District, Port Macquarie, NSW, Australia. 3. Launceston Clinical School, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia. 4. Faculty Health Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia. 5. Northern Suburbs Community Centre, Launceston, TAS, Australia. 6. Starting Point Neighbourhood House, Launceston, TAS, Australia. 7. Men's Health Ambassador, Launceston, TAS, Australia.
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED: Men in the Northern Suburbs of Launceston, Tasmania, experience substantially poorer health outcomes and socio-economic disadvantage than most Australians. They are often described as "hard-to-reach," meaning difficult to engage in research, health promotion, policy and planning. This paper summarises the OPHELIA process to combine health literacy profiling with engagement of local men in health promotion, and their experience of the process and outcomes. METHODS: Interviews were conducted to explore the experiences of middle-aged men with the OPHELIA process and subsequent interventions. RESULTS: Local data and health literacy profiling revealed experiences of isolation, lack of trust in the system, medication non-adherence, mental illness and chronic pain, which formed the basis for generation of ideas to improve their well-being and understanding of health. Tailored interventions were implemented, including suicide prevention, "Numeracy for Life" and "Healthy Sheds" courses. Interviews with six participants revealed that the process contributed to a sense of worth, social support and ability to break "old habits." CONCLUSIONS: Prioritising the lived experience of "hard-to-reach" men through the OPHELIA process resulted in co-design of interventions that were valued by participants. SO WHAT?: Health literacy profiling and genuine community engagement can empower vulnerable, under-represented communities to co-design, and engage in, health promotion.
ISSUE ADDRESSED: Men in the Northern Suburbs of Launceston, Tasmania, experience substantially poorer health outcomes and socio-economic disadvantage than most Australians. They are often described as "hard-to-reach," meaning difficult to engage in research, health promotion, policy and planning. This paper summarises the OPHELIA process to combine health literacy profiling with engagement of local men in health promotion, and their experience of the process and outcomes. METHODS: Interviews were conducted to explore the experiences of middle-aged men with the OPHELIA process and subsequent interventions. RESULTS: Local data and health literacy profiling revealed experiences of isolation, lack of trust in the system, medication non-adherence, mental illness and chronic pain, which formed the basis for generation of ideas to improve their well-being and understanding of health. Tailored interventions were implemented, including suicide prevention, "Numeracy for Life" and "Healthy Sheds" courses. Interviews with six participants revealed that the process contributed to a sense of worth, social support and ability to break "old habits." CONCLUSIONS: Prioritising the lived experience of "hard-to-reach" men through the OPHELIA process resulted in co-design of interventions that were valued by participants. SO WHAT?: Health literacy profiling and genuine community engagement can empower vulnerable, under-represented communities to co-design, and engage in, health promotion.
Authors: Hannah R Goss; Craig Smith; Laura Hickey; Johann Issartel; Janis Morrissey; Celine Murrin; Ailbhe Spillane; Sarahjane Belton Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-04-19 Impact factor: 4.614
Authors: Linda Foettinger; Birte Marie Albrecht; Thomas Altgeld; Dirk Gansefort; Carina Recke; Imke Stalling; Karin Bammann Journal: Am J Mens Health Date: 2022 Mar-Apr