A new study found that reluctance to talk about sex may be a contributing factor in chronic disease among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men.
A recent review study found that erectile dysfunction (ED) can be indicative of future cardiovascular disease (CVD) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men.
The study, led by Dr Mick Adams, from Edith Cowan University (ECU), reviewed research by ECU’s Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet and points to mounting evidence about a lack of knowledge and awareness among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men about the link between male sexual health and chronic conditions.
“The evidence outlined in this review linking male sexual health and general health, including shared risk factors, could provide the opportunity for health care providers to address not only sexual health concerns of Aboriginal males, but also potentially improve their general health,” Dr Adams said in a press release.
Chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, Type 2 Diabetes and male sexual problems (such as erectile dysfunction are common problems among Aboriginal men. But, according to Dr Adams, for most men from Aboriginal communities, it is difficult to talk with a health care practitioner about their sexual health, due to shame, low self-esteem, concerns about confidentiality and stigma.
“Although non-Indigenous Australian men also report barriers to seeking help for sexual health problems, there can be a cultural distance between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males and healthcare services that makes discussing sexual health more problematic,” he said.
In a previous study, Dr Adams found that only about half males with moderate to severe ED reached out for help.
“Strategies such as including sexual health in general health assessments, using existing services and programs to create awareness of sexual health and sexual problems among males, and the development of supported implementation of culturally appropriate training for healthcare providers are some key recommendations to address the barriers faced.”
For more information on sexual health and chronic disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males, see the full review, this Summary, this short video or this fact sheet on the topic.