Men in Australia Telephone Survey (MATeS): a national survey of the reproductive health and concerns of middle-aged and older Australian men.
BACKGROUND
The Men in Australia Telephone Survey (MATeS) describes the prevalence of self-reported reproductive health disorders as well as related concerns and health behaviours among middle-aged and older Australian men.


METHODS
A representative sample population (n=5990) of Australian men (>or=40 years) was obtained by contacting a random selection of households with unbiased sampling, stratified by age and state. A 20-min computer-assisted telephone interview was done to assess reproductive health and related knowledge and beliefs, sociodemographic factors, general health, and lifestyle factors.


RESULTS
A response rate of 78% (5990/7636) was achieved. 34% (1627/4737) of men surveyed reported one or more reproductive health disorder, all of which were most common in the oldest age group. Age-standardised prevalence of significant lower urinary tract symptoms was 16%, erectile dysfunction was 21%, and prostate disease was 14%. About 50% of participants reported having had a prostate cancer test whereas only 30% (300/1012) of men with erectile dysfunction sought medical help. Willingness to seek medical help for erectile dysfunction was related to age and ethnic origin. Although men aged 40-69 years expressed a moderate or high level of concern about prostate cancer and loss of erectile function, concern about reproductive health was less in the oldest age group (>or=70 years).


CONCLUSIONS
The high prevalence of reproductive health disorders and associated concerns in middle-aged and older Australian men draws attention to the need to develop appropriate services and education strategies specifically directed to improving reproductive health in these men.
Holden
Carol A
CA
Andrology Australia, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. carol.holden@med.monash.edu.au
McLachlan
Robert I
RI
Pitts
Marian
M
Cumming
Robert
R
Wittert
Gary
G
Agius
Paul A
PA
Handelsman
David J
DJ
de Kretser
David M
DM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011469:Prostatic Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014555:Urination Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*