Ashley C, Halcomb E, McInnes S et al. Middle aged Australians' perceptions of support to reduce lifestyle risk factors: a qualitative study. Aust J Prim Health 2020; DOI:10.1071/PY20030.

'I'd rather chat to my mates in the shed'.

Lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor diet and excessive alcohol consumption play significant roles in increasing the risk of cardio-vascular disease and other chronic conditions. Behaviour change is affected by health literacy, mental health and individual beliefs. In this study, 34 socio-economically diverse middle aged (40-65 years) Australians were interviewed. Three themes emerged:

  1. 1.

    Engagement with general practice. There was a lack of awareness of other healthcare professionals, concern at not seeing the same doctor each time and problems obtaining an appointment

  2. 2.

    Providing information. General information was not conducive to behaviour change whereas specific information was deemed helpful

  3. 3.

    Sources of support. Men appeared not to think about seeking advice from a doctor, preferring to speak 'with their mates in the shed' or 'bring it up with my wife.'

Lack of practitioners' time and skills to take up opportunistic conversations about lifestyle change are barriers to offering preventive advice.