Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men have a life expectancy of 71.9 years – 8.8 years less than non-Indigenous men.

Rates of potentially avoidable deaths in men under the age of 75 is almost three times higher for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men.

The reasons for these health disparities are complex. One is limited access to culturally appropriate health care, as well as language barriers, racism and discrimination when seeking care.

Our new paper outlines what’s needed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men to have more equitable access to primary care – the care people receive in their community before they need a hospital.

This goes beyond merely having Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander artwork in waiting rooms.

What does the evidence say?

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men are not simply “hard to reach”, nor are they uninterested in their health.

Our research has found Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men engage in health care when it is accessible, relevant and delivered in an environment where they feel culturally safe and respected.

The barriers are often much more practical and structural: long waiting times, difficulty getting appointments, lack of male health professionals, concerns about confidentiality, previous negative experiences, shame or embarrassment, culturally inappropriate environments and services that simply do not feel designed with men in mind.

Those barriers can look different for everyone.

A man in a remote community may face long distances to access health care and a shortage of health workers.

Someone in a regional town may have a doctor’s clinic nearby but not feel culturally safe using the service.

Another man may have previously had a poor experience........

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