A new book by QUT alumnus Dr Mick Adams on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men's sexual and reproductive health contains the findings and recommendations from his PhD research at QUT.
The book, Men's Business, was launched today at QUT's Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation where Dr Adams conducted his research study. Dr Adams has spent most of his working life living and working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia.
"We have found the old knowledge on sexual and reproductive health is not out there, so we had to have a talk with men and educate them on misconceptions around this health issue," Dr Adams said.
"The data from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men suggest they are more likely than other Australian men to have urinary symptoms that may indicate prostate disease.
"They go to the doctor as often as non-Indigenous men but they are screened for prostate disease (PSA) at only one-third the rate of non-Indigenous men."
Dr Adams said he took advantage of all opportunities to speak to doctors and health workers at conferences and community gatherings on how to broach the subject of their sexual and reproductive health with Aboriginal men.
"You have to have a two-way conversation. Doctors have to be able to talk to men about it," he said.
"We've been working with Andrology Australia (The Australian Centre of Excellence in Male Reproductive Health) the major sponsors of the PhD research study developing a DVD, titled A lot of Aboriginal men sort of keep it to themselves, that is available for doctors and health workers to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men.
"To date we've sent out more than 2000 copies of the DVD and the demands are continuing because people are becoming aware of the education tools we have produced.
"We are concerned about the men who are suffering in silence as we know men keep things to themselves, so we made a suitable education tool for men to feel comfortable to talk about specific men's issues.
"More Aboriginal men are starting to think about their reproductive health and are making inquiries.
"What needs to be done is that we've got to be a lot more involved in not only getting men to go to the doctor but getting doctors talking to men and encouraging them to get regular health checks and health plans that follow up on the checks."
Apunipima Cape York Health Council public health medical advisor Dr Mark Wenitong said the book was unique.
"It begs a response from health professionals and policymakers alike about how to respond and address these seldom mentioned issues for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, in a way that both utilises the medical evidence and treatment," he said.
Executive Dean of QUT's Faculty of Health Professor Ross Young said QUT was very proud of the knowledge Dr Adams had made available.
"He has filled a gap with this wonderful book. His respectful and engaging voice is a voice not heard before in such a substantive way."
Dr Adams was QUT's Outstanding Alumnus in 2010.
For copies of the book, contact Dr Adams on michael.adams@aiatsis.gov.au
Media contact: Niki Widdowson, QUT media, 07 3138 2999 or n.widdowson@qut.edu.au.
