Men's groups and sheds: Confronting social determinants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men's health and well-being

This study is about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and the social determinants that impact on their everyday lives. Qualitative case studies were carried out in urban, rural and remote communities with a total of 15 Men's Groups/Sheds, and 45 men. Procedures for data gathering were triangulated through 'yarning circles' (focus groups), semi-structured interviews, and observations. The men who took part in this study shared stories about the influences that affect their overall health and well-being. Data suggests men often experience low levels of support that result in increased levels of addictions, crime, and poor health and well-being outcomes. Key findings identified separate, yet interconnected, social determinants that encompass trauma, homelessness, health and well-being, employment, finance, culture, education, legal issues and addictions. We also found that Men's Groups and Sheds are the catalysts to dealing with these social determinants. These findings have implications for Indigenous groups in other countries, government departments, healthcare workers and researchers; First, to expand understandings of what men understand about the social determinants that impact on their lives; Second, to recognise that Men's Groups and Sheds provide avenues to recognise and make plans to rectify the factors that negatively influence men's lives, and last to maximise the opportunity for better health and well-being opportunities for Indigenous males, their families and communities.