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Clarke JJ, Talbot R, Holmes K, Wild J, Ashley J, McEvoy PM. Social anxiety, behavioural activation and depression risk in older men: protection through Men's Shed membership. Health Promot Int 2023; 38:daad180. [PMID: 38150221 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daad180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Reducing rates of depressive symptoms in older adults is a public health priority. Men's Sheds are a community organisation that may protect against depressive symptoms in older men. It is currently unclear how social anxiety and behavioural activation may relate to depressive symptoms for Men's Shed members. We employed a cross-sectional design to explore whether the relationships between social anxiety, behavioural activation and depressive symptoms were contingent upon Shed social network quality in a sample of 164 Men's Shed members. Conditional effects analysis found social anxiety (B = -0.08, p < 0.01) and behavioural activation's (B = 0.02, p < 0.001) relationships with depression to be contingent on Shed social network quality. Additionally, we found evidence for a conditional effect of social anxiety on the relationship between behavioural activation and depression (B = -0.03, p < 0.01) such that this relationship was stronger for those with higher levels of social anxiety. Our findings suggest that a strong social network within a Men's Shed weakens the association between social anxiety and depression, that the relationship between behavioural activation and depression is stronger in those with poorer Shed social networks, and that the relationship between behavioural activation and depression may be stronger for those with higher levels of social anxiety. We suggest that our findings contribute to increasing quantitative support for the mental health benefits of Men's Shed membership, highlight the potential importance of Shed social network quality and explore how social anxiety may affect the mental health outcomes for members.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Clarke
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Rebecca Talbot
- Men's Sheds of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kirsten Holmes
- School of Management and Marketing, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - James Wild
- Men's Sheds of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jaxon Ashley
- Men's Sheds of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Peter M McEvoy
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Clinical Interventions, North Metropolitan Health Service, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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McEvoy PM, Holmes K, Smith BJ, Bullen J, Chiu VW, Wild J, Ashley J, Talbot R. Pathways from Men's Shed engagement to wellbeing, health-related quality of life, and lower loneliness. Health Promot Int 2023; 38:daad084. [PMID: 37584668 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daad084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Extensive qualitative evidence, but limited quantitative evidence, indicates that mutual aid organizations such as Men's Sheds have positive impacts on wellbeing, health-related quality of life, and loneliness. A recently developed theoretical model proposes that Men's Sheds may have these impacts via mediating factors such as broadening social networks, increasing behavioural activation and physical activity, reducing alcohol use, and providing meaning in life. The aim of this study was to quantitatively test a model whereby psychological safety (feeling safe, accepted, and valued) is associated with Men's Shed engagement (frequency of attendance, duration of membership, diversity of activities), which is associated with the hypothesized mediators, which, in turn, are associated with wellbeing, health-related quality of life, and loneliness. Men's Shed members (N = 333, Mage = 70.90 years, SD = 10.34, 98% male) completed a survey assessing the factors in the model. The hypothesized path model provided an excellent fit to the data. Findings indicated that higher psychological safety was associated with higher engagement, which, in turn, was associated with larger social networks and more meaning in life, which were associated with higher wellbeing and lower loneliness. Higher behavioural activation and less alcohol use were also associated with higher wellbeing. Higher Men's Shed engagement was not associated with higher behavioural activation and physical activity, or less alcohol use, but behavioural activation and alcohol use were directly associated with health-related quality of life. Implications for optimizing health outcomes within Men's Sheds are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M McEvoy
- School of Population Health, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Clinical Interventions, North Metropolitan Health Service, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kirsten Holmes
- School of Management and Marketing, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Brendan J Smith
- School of Population Health, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jonathan Bullen
- enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Vivian W Chiu
- School of Population Health, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - James Wild
- Men's Sheds of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jaxon Ashley
- Men's Sheds of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Rebecca Talbot
- Men's Sheds of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Bild E, Pachana NA. Social prescribing: A narrative review of how community engagement can improve wellbeing in later life. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY & APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/casp.2631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Bild
- School of Psychology The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Nancy A. Pachana
- School of Psychology The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
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Foettinger L, Albrecht BM, Altgeld T, Gansefort D, Recke C, Stalling I, Bammann K. The Role of Community-Based Men’s Sheds in Health Promotion for Older Men: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review. Am J Mens Health 2022; 16:15579883221084490. [PMID: 35287514 PMCID: PMC8928410 DOI: 10.1177/15579883221084490] [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] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Men’s Sheds are a community-based health promotion concept which brings men together to engage in joint activities. Prior research reported beneficial effects on health and well-being of the participants; however, evidence is limited. The main objective of this systematic review is to provide an extensive overview of current research on the effectiveness of Men’s Sheds on self-rated health, social isolation, and well-being by applying a mixed-methods approach. In addition, this review aims to identify how to successfully transfer and implement the concept. Eligible for inclusion were all studies published in English, German, or French that specifically referred to the concept of Men’s Sheds. Four databases were searched for eligible studies, followed by a hand search on websites and reference lists. Methodological quality of included studies was assessed using checklists developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Following the convergent integrated approach, quantitative data were transformed and merged with qualitative data to conduct a thematic analysis. Overall, 35 qualitative, nine quantitative, and eight mixed-methods studies were included. We found evidence regarding benefits of shed participation on self-rated health, social isolation, and well-being. We identified three key characteristics of a successful Men’s Shed, including appropriate shed facilities, sufficient funding as well as a participant-driven management and organization of the shed. This mixed-methods systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the evidence base concerning Men’s Sheds and highlights the need for longitudinal studies investigating causal relationships and gathering sufficient information on how to successfully transfer and implement the concept of Men’s Sheds in other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Foettinger
- Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research (IPP), University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Birte Marie Albrecht
- Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research (IPP), University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Thomas Altgeld
- State Association for Health and Academy for Social Medicine Lower Saxony, Lower Saxony, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dirk Gansefort
- State Association for Health and Academy for Social Medicine Lower Saxony, Lower Saxony, Hannover, Germany
| | - Carina Recke
- Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research (IPP), University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Imke Stalling
- Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research (IPP), University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Karin Bammann
- Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research (IPP), University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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Kelly D, Teasdale S, Steiner A, Mason H. Men's Sheds in Scotland: the potential for improving the health of men. J Public Health Policy 2021; 42:258-270. [PMID: 33542483 PMCID: PMC8192322 DOI: 10.1057/s41271-020-00268-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Recent policy focus is on the 'non-obvious' role of community-based organisations in tackling causes of poor health, such as social exclusion. Men's Sheds are a type of community-based organisation offering health and wellbeing benefits to men, despite this not being the explicit reason they exist. A qualitative study was conducted in Scotland to identify sustainability challenges that impact on the ability of Sheds to become a formal healthcare service. Findings showed that a reliance on ageing and retired volunteers to undertake operational tasks and generate income to fund activities affected the ability of Sheds to sustain and develop. Further, members preferred their Sheds to remain informal and flexible to fit their specific needs. Although Sheds are recognised for their health and wellbeing benefits to men, policymakers must recognise that formalising their activities might detract from the Shed's primary aims. This paper summarises specific policy implications and recommendations, taking into consideration tensions between the expectations placed on Sheds to expand into formal healthcare delivery, and the needs of Shed users. HIGHLIGHTS: Men's Shed are known for their ability to contribute to men's health and wellbeing. The potential of Shed to take on a formal healthcare role is questionable because of a reliance on ageing and retired volunteers and a preference to remain informal. Policymakers must recognise that although Sheds might be well placed to offer formal health care this may detract from their primary aims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Kelly
- Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health, Glasgow Caledonian University, M201 George Moore Building, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA UK
| | - Simon Teasdale
- Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health, Glasgow Caledonian University, M201 George Moore Building, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA UK
| | - Artur Steiner
- Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health, Glasgow Caledonian University, M201 George Moore Building, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA UK
| | - Helen Mason
- Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health, Glasgow Caledonian University, M201 George Moore Building, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA UK
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Kelly D, Steiner A, Mason H, Teasdale S. Men's sheds as an alternative healthcare route? A qualitative study of the impact of Men's sheds on user's health improvement behaviours. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:553. [PMID: 33743645 PMCID: PMC7981817 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10585-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men's health is a globally underrepresented area of research and policy. With men facing numerous healthcare barriers, there are calls for more 'male friendly' approaches to health improvement that take into consideration differing male behaviours and attitudes towards health. Men's Sheds are community-based organisations delivering practical and social activities that encourage positive health behaviours. While Sheds have been recognised for their health and wellbeing benefits to men, research has yet to explore the impacts of Sheds on male health improvement and their potential role as a preventative gendered public health measure. METHODS The study used in-depth interviews with 62 Shed members from five Sheds to investigate the impacts of Shed activity on the health improvement behaviours and attitudes of Shed users. Findings from the qualitative study were used to propose a set of pathways in which Sheds activity led to positive health engagement. RESULTS The proposed pathways suggest that there are many different and interlinked ways in which Shed activities can impact on the health behaviours and attitudes of Shed users. Through participation in various practical and social activities in an inclusive environment, Shed users reported increases in their health seeking behaviours, improved perspectives on and management of their personal health, and an increased ability to overcome illness and recover. CONCLUSIONS Where male friendly health provision has been lacking, this study suggests how Men's Shed activities can provide positive male health outcomes, often in unexpected and non-obvious ways. In particular, the proposed visual pathways are important to inform policymakers and practitioners of the ways in that Sheds may contribute to engaging men in health improvement practices and increase their health knowledge. This study also provides a structure from which further studies can measure and evaluate Shed health impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Kelly
- Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health, Glasgow Caledonian University, M201 George Moore Building, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA, UK.
| | - Artur Steiner
- Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health, Glasgow Caledonian University, M201 George Moore Building, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA, UK
| | - Helen Mason
- Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health, Glasgow Caledonian University, M201 George Moore Building, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA, UK
| | - Simon Teasdale
- Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health, Glasgow Caledonian University, M201 George Moore Building, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA, UK
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Baker P. Improving men's health: successful initiatives and barriers to progress. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 28:721-722. [PMID: 31188657 DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2019.28.11.721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Peter Baker, Director, Global Action on Men's Health ( peter.baker@gamh.org ), discusses initiatives to encourage men to take care of their health and examines the barriers that prevent men from seeking help.
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Kelly D, Steiner A, Mason H, Teasdale S. Men's Sheds: A conceptual exploration of the causal pathways for health and well-being. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2019; 27:1147-1157. [PMID: 31206945 PMCID: PMC6772158 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Although men have a lower life expectancy than women, and are more susceptible to illness, they have been found to be less likely to engage in health-seeking behaviour. Men's Sheds, as a gendered intervention, has been identified as an effective way to engage men in meaningful activity and gain social support from others. However, links between sheds and health and well-being are not well-documented, and evidence is lacking of the potential causal pathways to health generation. This study aims to develop a plausible empirically based causal theory of how Men's Sheds influence the health and well-being of their participants and to set out future research directions to test this theory. Drawing on a scoping review of academic, peer-reviewed journal articles published between 1990 and 2018, potential causal linkages between shed activity and health and well-being outcomes are synthesised into a logic model framework. Sixteen relevant peer-reviewed journal were identified from the academic literature. The data from the articles are predominantly self-reported, and characterised by small sample sizes and/ or low response rates. Further, information is lacking on the demographics of Men's Shed participants and the contexts in which they exist. Most notably, while there is some evidence on the potential mental health and social well-being impacts of shed activities, physical health is less documented. The study shows that there is a lack of reliable and systematic evidence of the potential causal pathways between Men's Shed activities and health and well-being outcomes. In order to address research gaps, further research is required to test and develop the proposed theory and logic model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Kelly
- Yunus Centre for Social Business and HealthGlasgow Caledonian UniversityGlasgowUK
| | - Artur Steiner
- Yunus Centre for Social Business and HealthGlasgow Caledonian UniversityGlasgowUK
| | - Helen Mason
- Yunus Centre for Social Business and HealthGlasgow Caledonian UniversityGlasgowUK
| | - Simon Teasdale
- Yunus Centre for Social Business and HealthGlasgow Caledonian UniversityGlasgowUK
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