Strengthening health promotion development with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males in remote Australia: A Northern Territory perspective

Abstract

Aims: To elucidate key considerations for effective health promotion with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males in remote Northern Territory.

Context: Despite the significant disparities in health outcomes amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males, particularly in remote Northern Territory, investment in health promotion policy and practice has been inadequate. Progressing towards self-determination with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males, and to meet the unique health and well-being needs of this marginalised demographic, consideration for staff retention and training, strengths-based approaches, and implications of divergent masculinities must be considered when devising and delivering culturally responsive and appropriate health promotion interventions. Health promotion needs to be conducted in a collaborative manner, and in less conventional settings, to better engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males.

Approach: This commentary draws on the author's reflections about working in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health policy, practice and research contexts in Northern Australia. It brings together diffuse strands of scholarship about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male health; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health promotion; and health promotion in rural and remote contexts. In doing so, we identify and discuss strategies that have potential to strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male health promotion in rural and remote Australia.

Conclusion: Health services and professionals in remote Northern Territory must leverage the inherent strengths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males to imbue service delivery with both meaning and capacity for self-determination. In doing so, this might ultimately help to alleviate the marginalisation of this demographic.

Keywords: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males; Northern Territory; health equity; health promotion; men's health; rural and remote health; strengths-based approach.