Needs and expectations of health promotion programmes for men* - a literature review and qualitative study in Lower Austria

In Austria, as in many other countries, there are clear gender differences in health behaviour, life expectancy and use of health programmes. Men* make significantly less use of health promotion programmes than women*. The main aim of this project is to analyse the requirements and needs of men* in Lower Austria with regard to general health promotion and specific health promotion services. The findings will support our cooperation partner 'Tut gut!' in enhancing existing programmes and designing new ones. In addition, the findings can be used to identify and overcome barriers to the use of health promotion programmes, e.g. through low-threshold access or adapted communication strategies. The project will begin with a focused evidence synthesis of the current state of scientific research on men's preferences for and use of health promotion programmes. This will be followed by a qualitative study in Lower Austria. Interviews will be conducted with two target groups that are difficult to motivate for "Tut gut! -programmes: Younger men* (15-29 years) and men* in middle adulthood (45-65 years). The results of the project will be utilised by 'Tut gut!' and NÖGUS to further develop their programmes. In addition, the results will be made available to a wider professional audience through a publication and presentations at conferences. The project started in autumn 2024 and run until the end of 2025 and is funded by the Lower Austrian Health and Social Fund (NÖGUS).