Men's Health

Research in the area of men’s health is an important feature of the School of Science and Health. Much of the research in this area is applied research and is carried out in the Men's Health Information and Resource Centre (MHIRC). The theoretical framework adopted is that promoted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) (opens in a new window) in its social determinants of health approach.

The Centre is directed by Professor John Macdonald who was a Federal Government Men's Health Ambassador during the period of national consultation preceding the publication of the National Male Health Policy; he is currently a member of the ministerial reference group on male health. He is also Patron of the Australian Men's Sheds Association.

The work of the Centre supports men’s health undertakings across the state of NSW and beyond. The evidence-based nature of our research programs contributes to men’s health policy, both of NSW and the Commonwealth.

Our work is complemented by the University's Indigenous Employment and Engagement. Much of our research is cross-disciplinary, involving collaborations across a range of academic and community organisations, and is funded by a range of agencies.

Men's Health Information and Resource Centre (MHIRC)

MHIRC was founded in 1999, and is funded by the NSW Department of Health, with additional financial support from other State Government bodies and the Commonwealth Government. MHRIC plays a major role in the biannual National Men’s Health Conference through the Australasian Men's Health Forum, of which Professor Macdonald is the current President.

A major area of work aims to improve the health of indigenous men, who have the worst health outcomes of any group in Australia. Researchers and other staff draw on advice from local and national indigenous elders in running the local interventions with indigenous men as well as the national Indigenous Male Health Convention which is held in conjunction with the National Men’s Health Conference.

MHIRC also runs a drop in centre for men at risk of suicide in Mt Druitt, reaching mainly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men. This project is funded by the Federal Department of Health and Ageing.

Current and recent projects include:

• Frail older men’s experience of Health and Community Care services
• The “Revolving Door”: Experience of Aboriginal men out of prison
• The social determinants of male suicide
• Engaging men in the health system
• Men’s perceptions of health and health services
• Gay men’s views on health and health services
• The needs of male carers of patients with dementia
• Strategies to support lifestyle risk modification in men in relation to nutrition and physical activity in regional Queensland
• Web-based physical activity promotion intervention for middle-aged males 

Contact for Men's Health Research:

Professor John Macdonald – j.macdonald@uws.edu.au