A mixed methods snapshot of the Man Walk program

A community-based response to loneliness and health among older Australian men

Bibliographic Data

ID15371671
AuthorsNicole Snowdon (0000-0002-4414-2217, Charles Sturt University, corresponding author), Kedir Yimam Ahmed (0000-0003-3797-5234, Charles Sturt University), Hazel Dalton (0000-0002-5816-4548, Charles Sturt University), M Mamun Huda (0000-0003-1069-3472, Charles Sturt University), Subash Thapa (0000-0002-1182-8511, Charles Sturt University), Mark Burns (Walmart (United States)), Julaine Allan (0000-0001-9299-5866, Charles Sturt University)
Year2026
Volume26
Issue1
Publication date2026-03-09
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueBMC Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1471-2458 • E-ISSN: 1471-2458
PublisherBioMed Central (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1186/s12889-026-26858-8
PMID41803742
OpenAlexW7134233600
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited37

The Man Walk is a national, community-led initiative promoting men’s mental health, physical activity, and social connection through group walks. Since its establishment in 2018, no evidence has described participant characteristics, engagement, or health outcomes. This study aimed to describe participants’ characteristics, health status, factors associated with health and wellbeing outcomes, and perceived benefits of program. A mixed methods design was used, with an online survey conducted in March and July 2025 among Man Walk participants across Australia. Measures included EQ-VAS (self-rated health), PHQ-4 (anxiety and depression), De Jong-Gierveld (loneliness), and AUDIT-C (alcohol risk). Multivariable regression models examined associations between explanatory variables and outcomes. Open-ended responses were analysed using inductive content analysis. A total of 377 men completed the survey. Most were aged ≥ 55 years (66%), partnered (77%), and residing in major cities (58%) or inner regional areas (30%). More than half (54%) reported moderate to high loneliness, and 17.5% and 14.7% reported symptoms of anxiety and depression, respectively. 31% had participated for ≥ 3 years, and 19% joined ≥ 8 walks/month. Emotional loneliness was associated with anxiety (OR = 4.65; 95% CI: 1.93, 12.0), while social loneliness was associated with depression (OR = 5.70; 95% CI: 2.03, 18.8). Longer participation (≥ 3 years) predicted lower odds of depression (OR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.95). Frequent walkers (≥ 8 walks/month) had lower odds of risky drinking (OR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.20, 0.95). The absence of chronic conditions was associated with higher self-rated health, whereas those with emotional loneliness and depression were associated with poorer self-rated health. Content analysis revealed that participants identified the program’s benefits primarily as socialisation (73.2%), followed by mental health support (26.8%) and physical health improvement (26.5%). The Man Walk engages men at elevated risk of loneliness and mental distress, providing a low-cost, accessible platform for exercise, connection, and mutual support. Sustained participation appears protective against depressive symptoms and health risks. Community-led, male-focused walking initiatives represent promising, scalable strategies to enhance men’s mental health and social wellbeing

Anxiety · Biostatistics · Depression (economics · Logistic regression · Loneliness · Mental health · Odds · Public health · Cancer survivorship and care · Cardiac Health and Mental Health · Physical Activity and Health · Epidemiology

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