Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2023-11-28 Daily Xml

Contents

Men's Health

314 The Hon. S.L. GAME ().18 October 2023).

1. What government health programs are in place to address areas where men have disproportionately higher adverse health outcomes than woman?

2. How are these programs funded?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector): The Minister for Health and Wellbeing has advised:

Whilst men experience some disparities in health outcomes, the needs of all genders are best managed as part of an integrated comprehensive health system. The funding for men's health is embedded within the overall budget allocations for acute services, community based and preventive health services. In areas where the data identifies particular need, targeted strategies are implemented.

Examples are skin cancer campaigns addressing the higher lifetime risk of melanoma of the skin amongst men–with one in 30 men diagnosed over their lifetime, compared with one in 44 women and a statewide tobacco cessation campaign targeting males. Despite the higher rates of smoking among men compared to women, there has been a decline in smoking rates among men from 18 per cent in 2017 to 8.9 per cent in 2022.

SA Health promotes a range of services to support men's health through their website including:

The Better Health Coaching Service which focuses on improving general health and wellbeing and reducing the risk of developing long-term health problems such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

The Foundation 49 website which includes a one-minute men's health check that can be printed and taken to a GP, as well as a more detailed DIY health check and men's health information.

Menshed's Australia, an organisation specialising in the needs of men, their health and wellbeing and their communities. Sheds are located in the Adelaide metropolitan area and country areas.

MensLine Australia which offers a range of services and programs to support men in managing family and relationship difficulties.