What works with men? A systematic review of health promoting interventions targeting men
2008

What Works with Men? A Review of Health Interventions for Men

Sample size: 27 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Lynn M Robertson, Flora Douglas, Anne Ludbrook, Garth Reid, Edwin van Teijlingen

Primary Institution: University of Aberdeen

Hypothesis

The study aims to appraise the available evidence of effective interventions aimed at improving men's health.

Conclusion

Most existing evidence relates to male sex-specific health problems, and there is little published evidence on how to improve men's uptake of services.

Supporting Evidence

  • Of 11,749 citations screened, 338 articles were assessed and 27 met inclusion criteria.
  • Twenty-three interventions were effective or partially effective.
  • Eighteen studies satisfied all quality criteria.

Takeaway

This study looked at different health programs for men and found that many focus on specific male health issues, but we still need more research to see what really helps men use health services.

Methodology

Systematic review of studies identified through 14 electronic databases and other resources, with results pooled within health topics.

Potential Biases

Potential publication bias due to the likelihood of positive results being published more frequently.

Limitations

Publication bias may exist as studies with positive results are more likely to be published, and only RCTs and controlled before-and-after studies were included.

Participant Demographics

Healthy, free-living adult men aged 18 years and older.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1472-6963-8-141

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication