title: Men with disabilities - A cross sectional survey of health promotion, social inclusion and participation at community Men's Sheds.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The intersections between chronicity, disability and social inequality are well understood. Novel ways to counter the social determinants of health and disability are needed. Men's Sheds are a community space where men can participate in a range of shared activities and potentially experience a health and social benefits.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This cross-sectional survey was conducted to inform future research by determining who attended Men's Sheds and the range of health, social, community, and educational activities undertaken there. This paper explores the membership of people with disabilities (PWD) at Men's Sheds and the factors that predict their membership.
  
  
  METHODS
  An online survey link was sent to all known Men's Sheds internationally in 2012. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential (univariate and multivariate) statistics.
  
  
  RESULTS
  32.2% of international sheds and 29% of Australian sheds specifically targeted the inclusion of PWD. 80% of these sheds have significantly more members with disabilities than sheds who do no target PWD. Factors associated with greater membership of PWD included the provision of transport, social outings and promoting occupational skills.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PWD are being encouraged to join and are joining Men's Sheds. This is significant as the value of participation and inclusion toward better health and wellbeing is well known. Men's Sheds offer a community space where the social determinants of chronicity and disability can potentially be countered.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Private Bag 3, Richmond, NSW 2753, Australia. Electronic address: N.Wilson@westernsydney.edu.au.
authors.forename: Nathan J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.affiliation: School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.
authors.forename: Reinie
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cordier
authors.affiliation: School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Parsons
authors.affiliation: School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.
authors.forename: Sharmila
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vaz
authors.affiliation: School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.
authors.forename: Angus
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Buchanan
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D003153:Community Health Services; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008571:Men; D008875:Middle Aged; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D058992:Social Participation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Disability; Men's Sheds; Mental health; Participation; Social inclusion