About the Ten to Men study

Ten to Men is a major national research project whose findings will assist the development of health programs and policies that are targeted to the special health needs of boys and men.

Aims

Ten to Men: The Australian Longitudinal Study on Male Health is a study designed to help improve the health and wellbeing of boys and men. Ten to Men is a longitudinal study, so we aim to survey the same group of males every few years. It began in 2013 and generates findings to inform government policies, programs and services in male health.

The National Men’s Health Strategy 2020–2030 guides the study and sets out priority study areas.

Background

In Australia, males generally have poorer health than females, shorter life expectancies and experience more health problems. They also have higher rates of alcohol use and smoking and are less likely to visit health professionals. An even greater health gap exists for males in regional and remote communities, as well as for males in First Nations communities.

In 2010, the Australian Government released the National Male Health Policy to build a strong evidence base on male health to inform policies, programs and initiatives for boys or men at-risk of poor health. As part of the policy, Ten to Men: The Australian Longitudinal Study on Male Health began with funding provided by the Department of Health and Aged Care.

In 2013–2014 (Wave 1 of the study) Ten to Men collected health and lifestyle information from nearly 16,000 boys and men across the country through surveys and interviews. Study participants were randomly chosen to ensure a broad range of backgrounds and life experiences, and representation across all Australian states and territories. In 2023-2024 just over 10,000 men across Australia were recruited to join the study. The study now has around 24,000 men taking part. Data were collected in: 

  • Wave 1: 2012 – 2014
  • Wave 2: 2015 – 2016
  • Wave 3: 2020
  • Wave 4: 2022
  • Top-up sample: 2023 – 2024.

Learn more about the study’s timeline.

Our name and logo

The name Ten to Men refers to the age range of the boys and men in the study – from 10 years old to adulthood. It is the intention of the study to follow participants over time, as they transition through the different stages of life.

The cog used in the logo represents the important part research and evidence play in the improvement of male health in Australia.

The 3 puzzle pieces in the cog represent the life stages of study participants as they get older. Each puzzle piece contributes to the ‘big picture’ of male health in Australia.

The transitional colours within each puzzle piece represent the diversity and unique experiences of males within each of the study age groups.

The connection between each puzzle pieces illustrates the important ‘mateship’ between study participants and other key stakeholders who contribute towards the study findings.

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