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McGrath A, Murphy N, Richardson N. ‘Sheds for Life’: delivering a gender-transformative approach to health promotion in Men’s Sheds. Health Promot Int 2022; 37:6775362. [DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daac150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Summary
Research has highlighted the importance of gendered approaches to engage men with health. Sheds for Life (SFL) is a health and wellbeing initiative that utilizes evidence-based and gender-specific approaches to engage hard to reach men with health promotion directly in the Men’s Sheds (Sheds) setting. To understand the impact of SFL and how participants (Shedders) experienced SFL in practice, this qualitative study applied a framework of constructivism and aimed to explore how gendered approaches impacted engagement with SFL through Shedder’s own accounts of their attitudes, opinions and experiences. Qualitative methods incorporating ethnographical observations, focus groups (n = 8) and short semi-structured interviews (n = 19) were conducted with SFL participants in the Shed setting. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data to faithfully capture Shedders’ experiences while acknowledging the reflexive influence of the researcher. Findings led to three key themes: Creating the ‘right environment’; Normalizing meaningful conversations; a legacy for ‘talking health’ with subthemes of creating safety and trust and strengthening of bonds; and transforming perceptions of how men ‘do health’ with subthemes of reaping the benefits of engaging with health and reframing attitudes towards health. This is first study to capture Shedders’ experiences of a structured health promotion initiative in the Shed setting. Findings highlight the value in utilizing the Shed setting to engage men with health and the importance of gender-specific strategies which encourage a gender-transformative approach to men’s health promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisling McGrath
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, School of Health Sciences, South East Technological University , Waterford , Ireland
| | - Niamh Murphy
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, School of Health Sciences, South East Technological University , Waterford , Ireland
| | - Noel Richardson
- National Centre for Men’s Health, South East Technological University , Carlow , Ireland
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McGrath A, Murphy N, Egan T, Richardson N. Sheds for life: health and wellbeing outcomes of a tailored community-based health promotion initiative for men’s sheds in Ireland. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1590. [PMID: 35987612 PMCID: PMC9392583 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13964-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Gender is increasingly recognised as a critical factor in designing community-based health promotion programmes. Men’s Sheds (‘Sheds’) are community-based informal environments that represent a safe space in which to engage cohorts of hard-to-reach (HTR) men in health promotion. Sheds for Life (SFL), the first structured health promotion initiative evaluated globally in Sheds, is a 10-week initiative co-designed with Shed Members (Shedders) and delivered directly in the Shed setting in Ireland. This research describes the health and wellbeing outcomes experienced by SFL participants.
Methods
Purposive sampling was used to recruit a diverse representation of Shedders (n = 421) participating in SFL alongside a wait list control (n = 86). Questionnaires assessing constructs of health and wellbeing were administered one-to-one in Sheds at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months. Descriptive data for health outcomes were generated for each time point and assessed for significant changes using inferential testing, while considering COVID-19 impact.
Results
Outcomes related to subjective wellbeing, mental wellbeing, physical activity, social capital and healthy eating significantly increased post SFL (p < 0.05). Mental wellbeing scores (SWEMWBS) post SFL remained significantly higher than baseline despite COVID-19 impact (p < 0.05). Binary logistic regression indicated that the odds of a meaningful SWEMWBS change was significantly higher for shedders that had lower SWEMWBS (OR 0.804), less loneliness (OR 0.638) and lived alone (OR 0.456) at baseline. Shedders with lower SWEMBWS had higher odds of experiencing positive changes in life satisfaction (OR 0.911) and trust (OR 0.928), while Shedders who lived alone had also higher odds of experience positive changes in healthy eating (OR 0.481). Finally, inactive Shedders at baseline had higher odds of experiencing increased levels of physical activity (OR 0.582).
Conclusions
Findings suggest that the inclusive, community-based SFL model is effective in engaging Shedders and facilitating positive and sustained changes in health and wellbeing outcomes. Using gender-specific approaches in the informal and safe environment of the Shed are effective in engaging men in structured health and wellbeing initiatives, particularly those who may be more vulnerable, isolated or lonely.
Trial registration
This study has been retrospectively registered with the ‘International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number’ registry (ISRCTN79921361) as of 05/03/2021.
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Daly L, Byrne G, Keogh B. Contemporary considerations relating to health promotion and older people. BRITISH JOURNAL OF NURSING (MARK ALLEN PUBLISHING) 2019; 28:1414-1419. [PMID: 31778329 DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2019.28.21.1414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Health promotion in later life can support healthy ageing and wellbeing. Nurses across the continuum of care have an important role in promoting positive health and wellbeing messages, but they must be cognisant of the need to engage in, modify and tailor health promotion for and with older adults. This article provides an overview of contemporary issues relevant to health promotion and older people, and the role and contribution of nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Daly
- Assistant Professor, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gobnait Byrne
- Assistant Professor, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Brian Keogh
- Assistant Professor, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
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Milbourn B, Mahoney N, Trimboli C, Hoey C, Cordier R, Buchanan A, Wilson NJ. "Just one of the guys" An application of the Occupational Wellbeing framework to graduates of a Men's Shed Program for young unemployed adult males with intellectual disability. Aust Occup Ther J 2019; 67:121-130. [PMID: 31769055 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1630.12630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Conceptualisation of occupation requires understanding of subjective wellbeing and experiences of occupation. Opportunities for participation in productivity activities, such as employment, may be limited for people with intellectual disability (ID). An occupational wellbeing framework was recently re-imagined to focus on the subjective meaning of a person's occupational life rather than occupational performance. This study analysed experiences and possible benefits to occupational wellbeing of young adult men with ID in an intergenerational mentoring program based on Australian Men's Sheds using this revised occupational wellbeing framework. METHODS A qualitative approach was used to gather individual semi-structured interviews at the end of an intergenerational mentoring program to explore occupational wellbeing experiences. Eight individual mentees and five parents of mentees (n = 13) from the different Men's Sheds sites agreed to participate in an individual interview about their experiences of the program. All mentees were male aged between 17 and 24 years. Family members included four female mothers and one male father. Data were highlighted, selected and deductively coded using content analysis according to the five occupational wellbeing domains of the framework. RESULTS Mentees reflected upon their experience with their mentor, the program, activities and environment of the Men's Shed. Findings were organised in relation to each of the five domains of occupational wellbeing, including contentment, competence, belonging, identity and autonomy. Experiences of mentees and their family members reflected the positive impact of participation on each domain and occupational wellbeing, including opportunities for socialisation outside of the program, mastery of skills and knowledge and validation of belief in self. CONCLUSION Mentees involved in an intergenerational mentoring program in Australian Men's Sheds report benefits of participation in activities that foster and increase occupational wellbeing experiences. The experience of such domains should be considered when attempting to understand the quality of life and function for people with disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Milbourn
- School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Natasha Mahoney
- School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Concettina Trimboli
- School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Ciarain Hoey
- School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Reinie Cordier
- School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.,Department of Special Needs Education, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Angus Buchanan
- School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Nathan J Wilson
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW, Australia
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Wilson NJ, Cordier R, Parsons R, Vaz S, Ciccarelli M. An examination of health promotion and social inclusion activities: A cross-sectional survey of Australian community Men's Sheds. Health Promot J Austr 2018; 30:371-380. [PMID: 30378735 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED The activities and well-being outcomes from participating at Men's Sheds are the focus of a growing body of research. Although many Men's Sheds have a clear health or social philosophy, this does not always translate into health and social activities. METHOD This cross-sectional survey explored the health promotion and social inclusion activities of Men's Sheds and features of Sheds that predict greater levels of these activities. All Australian Men's Sheds were invited to participate. Based on survey responses, Sheds were classified as "active" or "not active" in health promotion and social inclusion, which formed the main survey outcomes. Profiles of the responding Sheds were summarised and compared against the main survey outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression analyses explored the profile variables associated with "active" Sheds. RESULTS Responses from 300 Sheds indicated 37% and 70% of Sheds were "active" in health promotion and social inclusivity respectively. Number of members, members with mental illness or of Indigenous descent, providing meals and targeting war veterans were associated with health promotion. Having five or more members with a disability, members with English as a second language, targeting of war veterans were associated with social inclusiveness. CONCLUSIONS Men's Sheds may serve as a unique community resource to reduce barriers of access to preventative health care, education and social connectedness, especially for marginalised members and those living in rural communities. SO WHAT?: A proportion of Men's Sheds reflects the health and well-being exemplars mentioned in the National Male Health Policy that can help to counter the social determinants of poor health, particularly for marginalised males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J Wilson
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW, Australia
| | - Reinie Cordier
- School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Richard Parsons
- School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Sharmila Vaz
- School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Marina Ciccarelli
- School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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Anstiss D, Hodgetts D, Stolte O. Men's re-placement: Social practices in a Men's Shed. Health Place 2018; 51:217-223. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Older men's perceptions of the need for and access to male-focused community programmes such as Men's Sheds. AGEING & SOCIETY 2018; 38:794-816. [PMID: 29551844 PMCID: PMC5848757 DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x16001331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Although participating in community social programming is associated with positive physical and mental health outcomes for older adults, older men participate less often than women. Men's Sheds is a community programme used primarily by older men that originated in Australia and is well established there. The goal of the current study was to explore men's perceptions of the need for Men's Sheds and issues concerning access to them in Canada, a country with a small but growing Men's Sheds movement. We conducted focus groups with 64 men aged 55 years and older, including Men's Sheds members and men from the community who were unfamiliar with this programme, and analysed the data using the framework analytic approach. The data revealed two primary themes concerning: (a) the need for male-focused community programmes, including the sub-themes reducing isolation, forming friendships and engaging in continued learning; and (b) access to programmes, including the sub-themes points of contact, sustaining attendance and barriers. Findings suggest that in order to reduce the likelihood of isolation and increase opportunities for social engagement, exposure to the concept of male-focused programming should begin before retirement age. In addition, such programmes should be mindful of how they are branded and marketed in order to create spaces that are welcoming to new and diverse members.
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Taylor J, Cole R, Kynn M, Lowe J. Home away from home: Health and wellbeing benefits of men's sheds. Health Promot J Austr 2018; 29:236-242. [PMID: 30511488 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED Improving the health of men is a national policy priority. The Men's Shed program is one health promoting initiative that seeks to improve the health and wellbeing of men. This study assessed Men's Shed members' perceptions of the health and wellbeing benefits of Men's Shed activity in a large regional Queensland Men's Shed. METHODS Data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire from 147 and three group interviews with 17 shedders. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to determine differences in shedders perceived health and wellbeing measures retrospectively just before joining the Men's Shed and currently. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. RESULTS There was no change in overall self-assessed health of shedders before and after joining the Men's Shed. Shedders expanded their social networks, and experienced less felt need for social interaction. Shedders' level of satisfaction with feeling part of the community and life as a whole increased. Health and wellbeing benefits of Men's Shed included fellowship, sense of belonging, access to equipment, and learning new and sharing their own skills. CONCLUSIONS The Men's Shed appeared to provide social health and wellbeing benefits to its members, and an environment for quality social interaction. The Men's Shed is seen as a place for and about members - men. SO WHAT?: Men's Shed may have a unique role in supporting the social health and wellbeing of men beyond that already available from other community groups by providing an environment for the fellowship of men and activities of interest in an unstructured way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Taylor
- School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - Rachel Cole
- School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - Mary Kynn
- School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - John Lowe
- School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
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Wilson NJ, Cordier R, Ciccarelli M, MacCallum J, Milbourn B, Vaz S, Joosten A, Buchanan A, McAuliffe T, Stancliffe RJ. Intergenerational mentoring at Men's Sheds: A feasibility study. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2017; 31:e105-e117. [DOI: 10.1111/jar.12338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J Wilson
- School of Nursing and Midwifery; Western Sydney University; Richmond NSW Australia
| | - Reinie Cordier
- Faculty of Health Sciences; School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work; Curtin University; Perth WA Australia
| | - Marina Ciccarelli
- Faculty of Health Sciences; School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work; Curtin University; Perth WA Australia
| | | | - Benjamin Milbourn
- Faculty of Health Sciences; School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work; Curtin University; Perth WA Australia
| | - Sharmila Vaz
- Faculty of Health Sciences; School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work; Curtin University; Perth WA Australia
| | - Annette Joosten
- Faculty of Health Sciences; School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work; Curtin University; Perth WA Australia
| | - Angus Buchanan
- Faculty of Health Sciences; School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work; Curtin University; Perth WA Australia
| | - Tomomi McAuliffe
- Faculty of Health Sciences; School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work; Curtin University; Perth WA Australia
| | - Roger J Stancliffe
- Centre for Disability Research and Policy; the University of Sydney; Lidcombe NSW Australia
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Waling A, Fildes D. 'Don't fix what ain't broke': evaluating the effectiveness of a Men's Shed in inner-regional Australia. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2017; 25:758-768. [PMID: 27324594 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/15/2016] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Men's Sheds and similar community programmes are known to encourage help-seeking behaviour and thus improve the health and well-being outcomes for the men who attend. This paper investigates this issue through a community needs assessment of a Men's Shed programme in inner-regional Australia. The immediate purpose of this research was to help direct future funding initiatives, and provide recommendations for potential changes and improvements to the programme. A community-level needs assessment is a systematic process used to determine and address gaps or needs between current and desired conditions within a particular community. We sought to explore how particular formats and structures of Men's Sheds programmes contribute to improve social and medical well-being, and whether there are key programme characteristics that could be emulated. In total, 22 surveys and 20 interviews were conducted with the men who participated in the programme. The report finds 95% of men are satisfied with the current running of the programme. While there were areas that have been identified for improvement, most men reported that they are content with the current format and would not like to see major changes to its implementation. The results of this research confirm the known benefits of these types of programmes. This paper provides other community programmes with some insight into the key success factors for running a Men's Shed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Waling
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health & Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Social Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dave Fildes
- Australian Health Services Research Institute (AHSRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
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Mackenzie CS, Roger K, Robertson S, Oliffe JL, Nurmi MA, Urquhart J. Counter and Complicit Masculine Discourse Among Men's Shed Members. Am J Mens Health 2017; 11:1224-1236. [PMID: 28068851 PMCID: PMC5675326 DOI: 10.1177/1557988316685618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Men’s Sheds is a growing international movement aimed at providing men with places and activities that facilitate social connectedness. Despite Men’s Sheds’ focus on males, little attention has been paid to masculinities within the specific context of these settings. The current study used a gender relations framework to explore the ways in which attendees discussed Men’s Sheds, with particular attention to discussions that were complicit and counter to traditional, hegemonic views of masculinity, and diverse positions in between these binaries. The data consisted of transcripts and field notes from four focus groups comprising mostly older, White, retired male members of a Canadian shed (N = 22). The analysis revealed three overall themes: (1) focus on work, (2) independence, and (3) need for male-focused spaces. These themes and associated subthemes suggest that shed members ascribe to dominant masculine values and ideals, but also support more fluid and flexible views of masculinity. Implications are discussed for how working with an array of masculinities within the Men’s Sheds movement will be helpful with respect to their future growth in Canada and internationally.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kerstin Roger
- 1 University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | | | - John L Oliffe
- 3 University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Cordier R, Wilson NJ, Stancliffe RJ, MacCallum J, Vaz S, Buchanan A, Ciccarelli M, Falkmer TS. Formal intergenerational mentoring at Australian Men's Sheds: a targeted survey about mentees, mentors, programmes and quality. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2016; 24:e131-e143. [PMID: 26285782 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Intergenerational mentoring enables a purposeful exchange of skills and knowledge to enhance individual and social outcomes for sub-groups at risk of health and social disparities. Male intergenerational mentoring may be an approach to help address these disparities in young men. Over 1000 Men's Sheds operate in Australia with 39% providing some form of mentoring mainly to youth. Yet, little is known about the variables intrinsic to creating and running quality programmes. This study aimed to identify the characteristics of formal intergenerational mentoring programmes, review their quality against the Australian Youth Mentoring Network (AYMN) quality benchmarks, and identify the factors that predict quality in these programmes. All known Australian Men's Sheds were invited to participate in an online cross-sectional survey. Forty sheds with formal mentor programmes completed the survey for a total of 387 mentees (mean = 9.7 mentees/programme), the majority being male. The majority of mentor programme facilitators were unpaid male volunteers aged 61 years and older, and programmes were unfunded. Promoting social and emotional well-being of the mentees was the primary focus in more than half of the programmes, and working on a shared construction project was the most common activity. Respondents rated the three most important factors that influenced programme effectiveness as being: (i) meaningful activities; (ii) mentors' approach; and (iii) a safe environment. Univariate analyses revealed that mentoring programmes that had a system in place for screening mentors, trained mentors and evaluated the programme were most likely to rate highly against the AYMN quality benchmarks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinie Cordier
- School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Nathan J Wilson
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Western Sydney, Richmond, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Roger J Stancliffe
- Intellectual Disability, University of Sydney, Lidcombe, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Judith MacCallum
- School of Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sharmila Vaz
- School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Angus Buchanan
- School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Marina Ciccarelli
- School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Torbjorn S Falkmer
- School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Wilson NJ, Cordier R, Doma K, Misan G, Vaz S. Men's Sheds function and philosophy: towards a framework for future research and men's health promotion. Health Promot J Austr 2016; 26:133-141. [PMID: 26108550 DOI: 10.1071/he14052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED The Men's Shed movement supports a range of men's health promotion initiatives. This paper examines whether a Men's Shed typology could inform future research and enable more efficient and targeted health promotion activities through Men's Sheds. METHODS The International Men's Shed Survey consisted of a cross-sectional exploration of sheds, their members, and health and social activities. Survey data about shed 'function' and 'philosophy' were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS A framework of Men's Sheds based on function and philosophy demonstrated that most sheds serve a primary utility function, a secondary social function, but most importantly a primary social opportunity philosophy. Sheds with a primary health philosophy participated in fewer health promotion activities when compared with sheds without a primary health philosophy. CONCLUSIONS In addition to the uniform health promotion resources distributed by the Men's Shed associations, specific health promotion activities, such as prostate education, are being initiated from an individual shed level. This framework can potentially be used to enable future research and health promotion activities to be more efficiently and effectively targeted. SO WHAT? Men experience poorer health and well being outcomes than women. This framework offers a novel approach to providing targeted health promotion activities to men in an environment where it is okay to talk about men's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J Wilson
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Western Sydney, Private Bag 3, Richmond, NSW 2753, Australia
| | - Reinie Cordier
- School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia
| | - Kenji Doma
- College of Healthcare Sciences, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, Townsville, Qld 4811, Australia
| | - Gary Misan
- Department of Rural Health, University of South Australia, 111 Nicolson Avenue, Whyalla, SA 5608, Australia
| | - Sharmila Vaz
- School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia
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Rahja M, Scanlan JN, Wilson NJ, Cordier R. Fostering transition to adulthood for young Australian males: an exploratory study of Men's Sheds’ intergenerational mentoring programmes. Aust Occup Ther J 2016; 63:175-85. [DOI: 10.1111/1440-1630.12259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Miia Rahja
- Faculty of Health Sciences; University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | | | - Nathan J. Wilson
- School of Nursing and Midwifery; Western Sydney University; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Reinie Cordier
- School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work; Curtin University; Perth Western Australia Australia
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15
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Men with disabilities – A cross sectional survey of health promotion, social inclusion and participation at community Men's Sheds. Disabil Health J 2016; 9:118-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2015.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Revised: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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16
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Hansji NL, Wilson NJ, Cordier R. Men's Sheds: enabling environments for Australian men living with and without long-term disabilities. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2015; 23:272-281. [PMID: 25428844 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The health of Australian men has recently received greater attention. Men's Sheds are named in national policy as an exemplar community-based organisation for the betterment of men's psychosocial health; yet, the evidence base to support this is limited. This study investigates the comparative experience of men with long-term disabilities and men without long-term disabilities who go to a Men's Shed and to what extent this provides these men with an enabling, as opposed to disabling, environment. Data were collected from 12 individual interviews with men with long-term disabilities (5) and men without long-term disabilities (6), including 1 interview with the male Men's Shed Coordinator (MSC); participant observation within the shed; and a document received from the female MSC regarding the funding the Shed receives. Interviews explored the men's experiences at the Shed and their sense of belonging and social inclusion. Participants had any type of long-term disability and had been attending the shed for a minimum of 1 month. Data were collected between May and September 2013 and were analysed using the constant comparative method of grounded theory. The core theme that emerged was an enabling community space. The four sub-themes were: a community and social hub; an equalising space; a safe and supportive male environment; and meaningful male activities. The current literature exemplifies Men's Sheds to be important community-based organisations beneficial to men's health and well-being. For men living with long-term disabilities, this study illuminates that Men's Sheds offer an environment of equality, facilitating a collegial and egalitarian culture. Men can partake in enabling activities and enjoy the company of other men enhancing their sense of belonging and social inclusion as well as interact with other community groups that occupy the same space as the Men's Shed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeraj L Hansji
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Older men and social activity: a scoping review of Men's Sheds and other gendered interventions. AGEING & SOCIETY 2015. [DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x14001524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACTFinding ways of improving the health and wellbeing of older men is an important challenge for public health. This review aimed to assess evidence for the effects of Men's Sheds and other gendered social activities on the health and wellbeing of older men, and to consider their effective components and theoretical frameworks. A scoping review using standardised search criteria and terms identified 31 relevant papers of sufficient quality for inclusion. Analysis was informed by guidance on interpretative and narrative synthesis and a quality assessment tool designed for reviewing disparate data from different disciplines and research paradigms applied. The review found some limited evidence that Men's Sheds and other gendered social activities may have impact on the mental health and wellbeing of older men, but little evidence of the impact on physical health. Qualitative data provided valuable insights into how and why complex psycho-social activities can affect participants, but there was a lack of longitudinal evidence drawing on validated health and wellbeing measures. Key components of successful interventions included accessibility, range of activities, local support and skilled co-ordination. A variety of theoretical frameworks were employed. As yet, there is no conclusive evidence that Men's Sheds and other gendered interventions confer health and wellbeing benefits on older men. Studies in this field to date are few and of variable quality. Larger and more robust mixed-methods studies, including randomised designs, are needed.
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