Information-seeking to support wellbeing: A pilot study of New Zealand men

Abstract

Abstract:In New Zealand, compared to women men have poor health outcomes in a range of domains. Men also report barriers (both personal and structural) in seeking information to improve health and wellbeing. This paper reports a pilot project that investigated the informationseeking of New Zealand men during episodes of mental and physical ill health. The research investigated the ways in which information can be provided to encourage men to engage in information-seeking in a more timely way to improve their health and wellbeing. Results suggest that New Zealand men face considerable barriers accessing information and support and that the pathways to care are often unclear or absent. These findings demonstrate challenges and opportunities to service providers in terms of engaging men. Further research opportunities are also discussed.

Everyday health information literacy among young men compared with adults with high risk for metabolic syndrome – a cross-sectional population-based study

“…Women were observed to be more motivated [3]. Furthermore, in the study by Wellstead and Norriss [40] many men who were experiencing a major stressful life event were unfamiliar with likely sources of information or help. Moreover in the study by Johnson et al [41] men, generally speaking, had limited motivation to promote and maintain good health.…”

Perceived Effectiveness and Motivations for the Use of Web-Based Mental Health Programs: Qualitative Study

“…The results of this study indicate that men who are reluctant to see mental health professionals and use mental health resources may be more open to discussing resources with people close to them. Although men are often afraid of stigmatization, recent studies have reported that many men have a small social circle with whom they feel they can share their concerns [ 43 ]. Men are also very willing to support the mental health of other people in their lives [ 43 ].…”

“…Although men are often afraid of stigmatization, recent studies have reported that many men have a small social circle with whom they feel they can share their concerns [ 43 ]. Men are also very willing to support the mental health of other people in their lives [ 43 ]. This close social circle/familial support adds an avenue through which to promote the initiation of web-based mental health programs.…”

The learning experiences of New Zealand secondary school students with chronic health conditions

“…regarding online race talk (August & Liu, 2014), mental health or emotional wellbeing (Campbell & Longhurst, 2013;Clelland, 2013;Keppel, 2012;Wellstead & Norriss, 2014), and parental and student perceptions of teacher-student interactions (Kayes, 2012). John Kirwan (2010) devoted a chapter in his book to this phrase in which he discusses his struggles with depression and how he was told quite often to "harden up".…”

“…He believes the phrase was not meant harshly, but was prevalent nonetheless. Wellstead and Norriss (2014) discuss possible barriers faced by some individuals or groups in society which may contribute to them not accessing resources of information services to assist them. None of the participants in my study used this particular phrase, but it is possible that the idea of a New Zealander 'hardening up' when faced with adversity may have influenced the students in my study.…”