Developing cultural competence for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men’s health and well-being: Men’s groups and sheds in a remote area

This study is about cultural competence specific to the health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men who participate in Men’s Groups and Sheds. The health status of Indigenous men varies as a function of their cultural backgrounds and, as members of a minority population, they are more at risk of poor health than their non-Indigenous counterparts. Men’s Groups and Sheds provide Indigenous men with easy access to health information and services. Qualitative methods were adopted to explore the perspectives of Indigenous men’s understandings about cultural competence and the congruence with health. Five men’s groups were represented and twelve men participated in a yarning circle. Findings highlight the importance of Men’s Sheds in achieving cultural competence which is a crucial determinant of the health and well-being of Indigenous men. It is important for Indigenous men (and women) to receive formal qualifications and, training and development in various areas of health. A key message of the paper is that Indigenous people need to be the providers of health care to Indigenous communities.