Drawing on data from Ten to Men, the largest longitudinal study on male health in the world, this report shows a two-way relationship between key contemporary economic and social indicators and the development of physical and mental health conditions over a 9-year period. It covers a representative sample of over 4,000 Australian men aged 18–55 years.

The study highlights the serious health impacts of social exclusion with men living in disadvantaged communities or lacking support networks particularly vulnerable. These factors not only predict poorer health outcomes but also limit recovery and reduce opportunity for improved financial and social circumstances.

The findings support a broader approach to investigating systemic inequalities beyond traditional socio-economic indicators, given the direct, bidirectional link between these indicators and the rapid development of new health conditions in Australian men. The research highlights the need for integrated health and social policies that address both the causes and consequences of poor health.

Key findings

• Of the long-term physical health conditions examined, the most common new diagnoses were for high blood pressure followed by long-COVID.
• Of the mental health conditions examined, the most common new diagnosis was for depression.
• Rates of new diagnoses of multiple long-term health conditions were higher for men with disabilities and men who were overweight.
• Financial stress and discrimination increased the risk of multiple long-term health conditions.
• Men with disabilities, men who speak a language other than English at home and men born in non- English-speaking countries experienced higher rates of both financial stress and discrimination compared to their counterparts.
• Having strong social support and greater job control protected against the risk of developing mental health conditions, while having disability increased this risk.

The report is accompanied by a Supplementary materials document.