Authors:Hui Xiao, Fiona Doolan-Noble, Lizhou Liu, Alan White, David Baxter Pages: 1 - 28 Abstract: Background: Globally, there has been a growing awareness of the health challenges faced by men. The current public health agenda in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) does not specifically address the needs of men. The aim of this scoping review was to capture the major health issues facing men in NZ and particularly to identify the knowledge gaps in the understanding of men’s health within the NZ context. This was achieved by presenting key data on their health status and systematically mapping research in NZ related to men’s health; international data are also referenced for context as relevant. Method: A search and screening of the literature were conducted using Ovid, Web of Science and Scopus databases from January 1996 to July 2021, with advice from a medical librarian. Search terms included “men’s/male’s health” and “men’s/male’s health NZ.” An environmental scan of international literature was also carried out and information from the Ministry of Health and Statistics NZ was obtained to provide context of the status of research on men’s health in NZ. Main Findings: In keeping with international literature, the major health issues for men in NZ are life-limiting diseases including cancer and cardiovascular disease, the spread of overweight and obesity, issues with masculinity and help-seeking behaviours, unhealthy lifestyles, mental health issues and poor health literacy. The main areas of research related to men’s health from the NZ literature were highlighted. Discussion: Men’s health remains an under-recognised issue in NZ. If we are to address current inequities in health for men, clinicians, researchers and relevant agencies need to pay more attention to men’s health issues and take up the challenge to highlight and promote men’s health status in NZ. PubDate: 2022-02-28 DOI: 10.22374/ijmsch.v5iSP1.67 Issue No:Vol. 5, No. SP1 (2022)
Authors:Lloyd Philpott, John Goodwin , Mohamad M. Saab Pages: 29 - 49 Abstract: Background: Several countries have introduced paternal leave policies in order to encourage and involve fathers in caregiving. Besides supporting fathers’ involvement, paternal leave may have other consequences such as health improvements. Paternity leave could potentially improve mental health outcomes by reducing stress and anxiety associated with work–family conflict. It can be hypothesized that paternal leave has a positive effect on men’s mental health; however, there have been no recent attempts to review the literature pertaining to such outcomes. Purpose: The aim of this rapid review of the literature was to evaluate the evidence from studies that explored the effect of paternal leave on men’s mental health. Design: Rapid literature review Methods: The review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Electronic databases CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Academic Search Complete, MEDLINE, APA PsycArticles, APA PsycInfo, Social Sciences Full Text (H.W. Wilson), SocINDEX with Full Text, and ERIC were searched for studies that met the inclusion criteria. Findings: A total of 337 records were identified from the electronic database search. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings suggest that fathers experience mental health benefits as a result of availing of parental leave. The length of leave availed by fathers had an impact on their mental health, with longer duration of paternity leave associated with higher levels of mental well-being. Flexible leave impeded fathers from fully engaging in their paternal role or their employment duties. Conclusion: The mental health benefits of parental leave usually associated with mothers are also extended to fathers, highlighting the importance of this statutory entitlement. PubDate: 2022-03-29 DOI: 10.22374/ijmsch.v5iSP1.72 Issue No:Vol. 5, No. SP1 (2022)
Open Access journal
[3 journals]
