Table 3 Characteristics of the qualitative studies

Hughes 2004 [33]

Qualitative

To identify modifiable barriers and to use men’s ideas to develop effective cancer-related programs for Hawaiian men.

Native Hawaiian men aged 22 to 75 participated in four, semi-structured focus groups (N = 54).

Three urban and rural focus group on the island of O’ahu and one group on the island of Hawai’i.

All focus group interviews were conducted at community locations not involved in the delivery of health care service.

Study findings suggests that men postpone healthcare services for many reasons, some of which can be addressed through programs.

Isaacs et al. 2012 [34] &

Isaacs et al. 2013 [35]

Qualitative Description

Describe the perceptions of Aboriginal people and mental health personnel on ways to improve

Aboriginal men’s access to mainstream mental health services.

Interviews:

17 Aboriginal male participants (5 Aboriginal mental health clients, 5 community members, 2 cultural advisors, 2 Aboriginal carers of men diagnosed with a mental illness, 1 Koori Hospital Liaison Officer, and 2 social and emotional wellbeing workers.

Focus Groups:

3 community mental health team’s members (N = 8, 10, 6)

Victoria, Australia (urban).

Interviews:

University, Aboriginal Organizations and 3 conducted at the participant’s home.

Focus Groups:

The teams’ Aboriginal Organization.

Barriers to help seeking by Aboriginal men with mental health problems were identified.

Mismatches between mainstream mental health services and the mental health needs of Aboriginal men were identified along with some solutions.

Mismatches included barriers to gaining entry, barriers to engaging with services and staffing problems in the service.

Potential solutions included building the confidence of men in the services, developing relationships with the community and strengthening the role of the Koori Mental Health Liaison Officers (KMHLOs).

Adams et al. 2013 [26]

Mixed Methods

To better understand help-seeking behaviors and reproductive health issues among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men.

To report the prevalence of erectile dysfunction, and the possible determinants of erectile dysfunction and prostate health.

Questionnaires:

N = 293 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, aged 18-74. (Includes the interviews and focus group participants).

Interviews:

18 men (29-45 years old).

Focus Groups:

N = 20 in each group (Three men’s groups and one women’s group).

Urban, rural and remote communities from Darwin (urban), Tiwi Islands (remote), Cairns (urban), Yarrabah (remote), Brisbane (urban), Caloundra (rural), and Hervey Bay (rural).

Diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure frequently reported by the men in the study and high rates of chronic disease coexist with reproductive health problems.

Study highlights the low rate of men seeking help for erectile dysfunction.

Increases in reported erectile problems prevalence increased with age.

Study provides insights to the barriers to seeking help for reproductive disorders and may point ways to improve access to health services.