| Summary: | Background: The Republic of Ireland has become a more ethnically diverse society with inward migration of men from geographically disparate regions such as Eastern Europe and Africa. These men now constitute ten percent of the Irish male population. Migrant men report poorer health than their indigenous counterparts for many reasons including socio-economic disadvantage, cultural and linguistic barriers. Migrants also report reduced engagement with health services in their host country Aim: To explore the health of Polish men resident in the Republic of Ireland. Methodology: This study used a survey design, with a convenience sample (n =900) of Polish migrant men drawn from across seven Irish urban centres. A self-administered questionnaire with three distinctive scales was used to measure respondents’: health status, health beliefs, health behaviours and demographic profile. Ethical approval was granted by the Ethical Governance Committee of the University. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 18.0). Findings: A response rate of 47% (n=421) was achieved. Respondents reported significantly lower educational levels than those of indigenous men or Polish men resident in Poland. The health behaviours of this cohort were similar to those of their Irish counterparts. There were a number of notable exceptions: 63% (n=265) of respondents smoked, 23% (n=97%) reported feeling nervous or depressed but over 50% (n=213) reported they were unlikely to access mental health services. Conclusions: Socio-economic disadvantages are apparent and these disparities need to be addressed in order to meet the evolving health needs of Polish migrant men. Smoking cessation needs to be considered including, how these activities will be initiated, methods used to impart information and follow up care for those who cease. Greater information about mental health care facilities, accessibility and the support services available need to be made more explicit to populations such as these.
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