Reaching at‐risk rural men: An evaluation of a health promotion activity targeting men at a large agricultural event

Abstract

Issue addressed: This paper evaluates the effectiveness of an Australian Men's Shed Association's 'Spanner in the Works?' health promotion tent in reaching at-risk rural men during a large agricultural event in rural Australia. Methods:Men who self-presented to the health promotion tent had basic health measurements and risk scores recorded.These were linked to a short survey asking about their primary health care engagement. To determine the 'reach' afforded to health professionals through their presence at the agricultural event, the mean systolic blood pressure and waist circumference measures of participants were compared to those of rural men nationally using the ABS' National Health Survey 2017-2018 Basic Confidentialised Unit Record File (CURF).Results: Of the 401 men who visited the health promotion tent, 346 (86.3%) consented to participate in the study. The median age of participating men was 56 years. The majority (94.0%) were from rural areas. Of participating men, 58.9% had high blood pressure, and their mean systolic blood pressure was significantly higher than that of rural men nationally: both overall (Mean difference = 15.37 mm Hg), and at all age groups. Participants also had significantly higher waist circumference overall (Mean difference = 2.06 cm), but this was only significantly different for the 45-54 age group. Conclusions:The 'Spanner in the Works?' initiative was effective in reaching both healthy and at-risk rural men from a range of ages.So what?: Aligned with the National Men's Heath Strategy 2020-2030, this evidences that agricultural events are an effective social setting for the provision of health promotion to 'at risk' rural men.

Characterizing the Health of Older Rural Australians Attending Rural Events: Implications for Future Health Promotion Opportunities

“…Rural people are under-represented in existing health data sets [ 22 ] and due to their geographical location are more challenging to access and engage in health promotion opportunities [ 23 , 24 ]. Previous health-related activities have been conducted at a rural agricultural events in Australia, with one specifically focused on the health of men who self-presented to a health promotion activity [ 25 ]. Most participants in this study were rural-based, with a median age of 56 years and had ‘at risk’ health characteristics [ 25 ].…”

“…Previous health-related activities have been conducted at a rural agricultural events in Australia, with one specifically focused on the health of men who self-presented to a health promotion activity [ 25 ]. Most participants in this study were rural-based, with a median age of 56 years and had ‘at risk’ health characteristics [ 25 ].…”

“…Large rural events offer an opportunity to obtain health data and to promote health improvements in this population [ 25 ]. Many of these events intend to bring geographically isolated communities together to showcase agricultural practices, produce products, and/or to promote tourism which provides social and economic benefits [ 26 , 27 , 28 ].…”

“…There are many rural-based events across Australia each year and they may appeal to different groups with variations in the age, gender, and rurality of those attending. These events provide an opportunity to engage with these populations, with access to healthy and ‘at risk’ rural people to provide health and nutrition promotion [ 25 ].…”