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Wippold GM, Abshire DA, Wilson DK, Woods T, Zarrett N, Griffith DM. Shop Talk: A Qualitative Study to Understand Peer Health-related Communication Among Black Men at the Barbershop. Ann Behav Med 2024; 58:498-505. [PMID: 38815252 PMCID: PMC11185087 DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaae027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While successful health promotion efforts among Black men have been implemented at barbershops, the focus has largely been on outcomes as opposed to the processes by which outcomes are produced. An understanding of processes can be leveraged in the design and implementation of future efforts to improve the health of Black men. PURPOSE The objectives of the present study were to: (i) understand peer-derived sources of health-related support at the barbershop and (ii) understand the role of the barbershop in promoting health among Black men. METHODS Seven focus groups were conducted at barbershops used predominately by Black men. Each focus group lasted between 45 and 60 min. Using a thematic approach, each focus group was independently coded by two coders using a codebook derived from an inductive and deductive approach. The results were confirmed with members of the community advisory board. RESULTS Three themes emerged: (i) dynamic and candid exchange of health-related support at the barbershop; (ii) tailored forms of health-related and judgment-free communication that provide encouragement and increase motivation; and (iii) characteristics of a supportive environment at the barbershop that facilitate health-related communication. CONCLUSIONS The findings of the present study offer a potential pathway for public health efforts seeking to improve health among Black men. Those interested in designing and implementing these efforts can create tailored programs for Black men by recognizing and leveraging the unique dynamics of health-related conversations at the barbershop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo M Wippold
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Demetrius A Abshire
- College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Dawn K Wilson
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Terry Woods
- Healthy Mind, Body, and Family Foundation, Sumter, South Carolina, USA
- Main Attraction Barbershop, Sumter, South Carolina, USA
| | - Nicole Zarrett
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Derek M Griffith
- Department of Health Management and Policy, School of Health, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
- Center for Men’s Health Equity, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
- Racial Justice Institute, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
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Griffith DM. Gender health equity: The case for including men's health. Soc Sci Med 2024; 351 Suppl 1:116863. [PMID: 38825381 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
United States' federal policy and infrastructure fail to explicitly consider the health of men, particularly the poor health of marginalized men. This inattention to men's health hinders the nation's ability to improve population health, to achieve gender health equity, and to achieve health equity more broadly. Expanding efforts to consider gender in federal policy and infrastructure to include men, naming men as a population whose poor health warrants policy attention, creating offices of men's health in federal agencies, and utilizing an intersectional lens to develop and analyze policies that affect health would likely yield critical improvements in population health and health equity in the United States. Using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, I illustrate the persistence of sex differences in mortality and leading causes of death, and how these patterns mask gender gaps in health that are driven largely by marginalized men. Given the common practice of presenting data by sex and race separately, it is difficult to recognize when the health of specific groups of men warrants attention. I utilize the case of Black men to illustrate the importance of an intersectional approach, and why men's health is critical to achieving gender and racial equity in health. While a gender mainstreaming approach has enhanced the nation's ability to consider and address the health of women and girls, it has not expanded to be inclusive of boys and men. Consequently, I argue that if our goal is to achieve health equity, it is critical to employ an intersectional approach that simultaneously considers the full range of factors that influence individual and population health and well-being. An intersectional approach would facilitate efforts to simultaneously explore strategies to achieve racial, ethnic, and gender health equity, which are driven by structural determinants beyond sex and gender related factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek M Griffith
- Center for Men's Health Equity, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA; Racial Justice Institute, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Health Management and Policy, School of Health, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA; Global Action on Men's Health, United Kingdom.
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Baker NS, VanHook C, Ziminski D, Costa J, Mitchell M, Lovelady N. "I am a survivor!": Violently Injured Black Men's Perceptions of Labeling After a Violent Firearm Injury. J Urban Health 2024; 101:535-543. [PMID: 38767764 PMCID: PMC11190117 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-024-00874-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Self-appraisal after a life-altering event is a critical process for individuals, often comprised by assigned labels that may not align with an individuals' perceptions of themselves or of their situation. Existing research within this victim-survivor dichotomy largely rests in the interpersonal violence space, with a victim assuming legal recourse and wrongdoing, and a survivor associating with positive personal characteristics like grit and resilience. Much existing literature on self-appraisal after interpersonal injury is heavily concentrated within the sexual violence literature, and this study applies these concepts to a sample of Black men injured by firearms. Ten Black men enrolled in a hospital-based violence intervention program (HVIP) were interviewed to understand how they label their experience of firearm injury, and if their perceptions aligned with common labels seen among other populations and/or in other areas of study (e.g., cancer, domestic violence). Each participant assigned themselves their own label, with three labels emerging: survivor, victim and survivor, and neither victim nor survivor. The results illustrate the nuance of experiences beyond the victim-survivor dichotomy, and how labels and personal identities may shift following injury into new terms and considerations of resilience and trauma processing. More research is warranted to understand the factors that shape self-labeling within this population, including influences of masculine norms, racialized stereotypes, community context, and availability of services. Findings support public awareness campaigns to reframe surviving violence as a strength, and for community partners and practitioners to increase access to culturally competent and trauma-informed mental healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazsa S Baker
- School of Public Health, New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers University, 683 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
| | - Cortney VanHook
- School of Social Work, University of Illinois- Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Devon Ziminski
- School of Social Work, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Jordan Costa
- School of Criminal Justice, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Michael Mitchell
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, The College of New Jersey, Ewing Township, NJ, USA
| | - Nakita Lovelady
- College of Public Health, University of Arkansas Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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Griffith DM. Antiracism and Health Equity Science: Overcoming Scientific Obstacles to Health Equity. Public Health Rep 2024; 139:288-293. [PMID: 38504480 PMCID: PMC11037222 DOI: 10.1177/00333549241236089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Derek M. Griffith
- Center for Men’s Health Equity, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
- Racial Justice Institute, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Health Management and Policy, School of Health, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
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Shaw AR, Vidoni ED, Key MN, Yates BA, Thorpe R. Using Focus Groups to Explore Older Black Men's Perception of Dietary Interventions. Am J Mens Health 2024; 18:15579883241241973. [PMID: 38613210 PMCID: PMC11015773 DOI: 10.1177/15579883241241973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Older Black men are underrepresented in research despite being disproportionately affected by Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors related to AD compared with non-Hispanic Whites. Although dietary interventions have shown promise to reduce modifiable CV risk factors related to AD, Black Americans have lower adherence likely due to lack of cultural considerations. Using a noninterventional convergent parallel mixed-methods approach, this study examined the cultural contexts that inform perceptions of dietary interventions among older Midwestern Black men. All participants completed an online demographic and dietary habit survey prior to focus group discussions. Two focus group discussion sessions were conducted with a total of 10 cognitively normal Black men aged 55 years and older. Survey data were analyzed using a frequency analysis and qualitative data were analyzed using a six-step thematic analysis process. Most men indicated having hypertension (N = 7, 77.8%) and currently not following a dietary eating pattern (N = 8, 88.9%). Emerging themes identified included (1) knowledge of dementia, (2) perceptions of dietary interventions, (3) barriers impacting participation in dietary interventions, and (4) overcoming barriers to engage Black men in dietary interventions. Findings from this study should inform the design of future dietary interventions for AD prevention to enhance participation among older Black men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley R. Shaw
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Eric D. Vidoni
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Mickeal N. Key
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Brandon A. Yates
- Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Roland Thorpe
- Department of Health Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Wippold GM, Garcia KA, Frary SG, Griffith DM. Community Health Worker Interventions for Men: A Scoping Review Using the RE-AIM Framework. HEALTH EDUCATION & BEHAVIOR 2024; 51:128-143. [PMID: 37350223 DOI: 10.1177/10901981231179498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Community health workers (CHWs) are health promotion specialists who are trusted members of the community served and have a close understanding of the community's needs and values. CHWs are a cost-effective and scalable workforce to promote health among men through tailored approaches. The purpose of the present review was to use the RE-AIM Framework to assess design, implementation, and outcomes of CHW-implemented health promotion efforts tailored for men to provide recommendations for future efforts. METHODS The protocol was pre-registered with PROSPERO. The primary inclusion criteria were that the interventions were (a) implemented at least partially by CHWs, (b) conducted only among men, and (c) designed to improve a health-related outcome. PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Global Index Medicus were searched using a librarian-generated search strategy. In all, 1,437 articles were uploaded to Rayyan and two reviewers blindly reviewed each article for inclusion. A total of 24 articles met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS Most interventions (a) targeted men under 50 years, (b) were conducted among a subset of underserved men, (c) improved health outcomes, (d) community-based and informed, (e) atheoretical, and (f) had satisfactory retention rates. The roles and responsibilities of CHWs were varied. Attention was given to training of CHWs, but limited attention was given to how/if the CHWs were supervised. DISCUSSION CHW-implemented interventions can improve health outcomes among men. Opportunities exist to build on past interventions, such as addressing mental health and incorporating prosocial aspects of masculinity. The results have implications for designing similar interventions.
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Barr E, Popkin R, Roodzant E, Jaworski B, Temkin SM. Gender as a social and structural variable: research perspectives from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Transl Behav Med 2024; 14:13-22. [PMID: 37074158 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibad014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Gender is a social and structural variable that encompasses multiple domains, each of which influences health: gender identity and expression, gender roles and norms, gendered power relations, and gender equality and equity. As such, gender has far-reaching impacts on health. Additional research is needed to continue delineating and untangling the effects of gender from the effects of sex and other biological variables. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) vision for women's health is a world in which the influence of sex and/or gender are integrated into the health research enterprise. However, much of the NIH-supported research on gender and health has, to date, been limited to a small number of conditions (e.g., HIV, mental health, pregnancy) and locations (e.g., sub-Saharan Africa; India). Opportunities exist to support transdisciplinary knowledge transfer and interdisciplinary knowledge building by advancing health-related social science research that incorporates best practices from disciplines that have well-established methods, theories, and frameworks for examining the health impacts of gender and other social, cultural, and structural variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Barr
- Office of Research on Women's Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ronna Popkin
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Population Dynamics Branch, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Erik Roodzant
- Office of Research on Women's Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Booz Allen Hamilton, McLean, VA, USA
| | - Beth Jaworski
- Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, National Institutes of Health, USA
- Booz Allen Hamilton, McLean, VA, USA
| | - Sarah M Temkin
- Office of Research on Women's Health, National Institutes of Health, USA
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Jordan H, Jeremiah R, Watson K, Corte C, Steffen A, Matthews AK. Exploring Preventive Health Care Utilization Among Black/African American Men. Am J Mens Health 2024; 18:15579883231225548. [PMID: 38243644 PMCID: PMC10799604 DOI: 10.1177/15579883231225548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Black/African American (BAA) men have the lowest life expectancy among other major demographic groups in the United States, with BAA male mortality rates 40% higher than their White male counterparts. Despite known benefits of preventive health care utilization, BAA men are 43% more likely to use the emergency department for usual care. Many intersecting factors like medical mistrust and religion have been identified as common barriers BAA men face in health care utilization with few studies exploring factors that impact their current preventive health care utilization. In addition, BAA men's perceptions of health and ability to identify or seek help have always been disproportionately lower than other racial groups despite higher rates of preventable diseases. Using the tenets of the Andersen Healthcare Utilization Model, this cross-sectional study of 176 BAA men explores BAA men's current preventive health care practices while examining the intersection of predisposing, enabling, and need factors on BAA men's preventive health care utilization. While it is well known that higher income levels and higher education positively influence health care utilization, the intersection of religious affiliation and higher levels of medical mistrust was associated with BAA men's decreased engagement with health care as religion posed as a buffer to health care utilization. This study demonstrated that BAA men's perception of health differed by sexual orientation, educational status, and income. However, across all groups the participants' perspective of their health was not in alignment with their current health outcomes. Future studies should evaluate the impact of masculine norms as potential enabling factors on BAA men's preventive health care utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrell Jordan
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rohan Jeremiah
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Karriem Watson
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Colleen Corte
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alana Steffen
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Abshire DA, Wippold GM, Wilson DK, Pinto BM, Probst JC, Hardin JW. A qualitative study of ecological and motivational factors to inform weight management interventions for Black men in the rural South of the United States. Soc Sci Med 2023; 326:115898. [PMID: 37087973 PMCID: PMC10354809 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE Black men in the rural South of the United States (US) are underrepresented in weight management behavioral trials. Qualitative research is needed to inform interventions that can reduce obesity and health disparities in this population. We explored how intrapersonal, social, and environmental factors affect motivation and weight-related behaviors and how to culturally adapt behavioral interventions for Black men in the rural South. METHODS We conducted individual telephone interviews with 23 Black men (mean age 50 ± 14 years) with overweight or obesity living in rural South Carolina communities in 2020 and 2021. Interviews were audio recorded, professionally transcribed, and coded by two men's health researchers who achieved an intercoder reliability of 70%. Content analysis using QSR NVivo 12 was used to generate themes using deductive and inductive approaches. RESULTS Physical health and health behaviors were perceived as key determinants of overall health. Family, friends, and other social contacts often provided positive social support that increased motivation but also hindered motivation by engaging in behaviors men were trying to avoid. Younger participants had stronger views of rural environments not supporting healthy lifestyles, which compounded personal challenges such as time constraints and lack of motivation. Comfort was discussed as a critical program consideration, and gender concordance among program participants and facilitators was perceived as promoting comfort. Participants noted preferences and benefits of in-person, group programs emphasizing physical activity, and younger participants more strongly endorsed programs that incorporated sports and competition. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study provide important evidence to inform the development of weight management interventions for Black men in the rural US South. Based on these findings, an innovative, competitive "football-themed" weight management program promoting peer support and integrating competitive physical activities is being evaluated for younger Black men in the rural South.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demetrius A Abshire
- University of South Carolina College of Nursing, 1601 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
| | - Guillermo M Wippold
- University of South Carolina, Department of Psychology, Barnwell College 224, 1512 Pendleton Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
| | - Dawn K Wilson
- University of South Carolina, Department of Psychology, Barnwell College 224, 1512 Pendleton Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
| | - Bernardine M Pinto
- University of South Carolina College of Nursing, 1601 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
| | - Janice C Probst
- University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
| | - James W Hardin
- University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
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Ware S, Erausquin JT, Tanner AE, Dyson YD. Black heterosexual college men's masculinity dimensions, protective behavioral intentions, and sexual risk behaviors. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2022:1-8. [PMID: 35930459 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2103704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the associations of dimensions of masculinity-respect/toughness and anti-femininity/hypersexuality-with sexual risk behaviors and protective behavioral intentions and the effects of awareness of anti-Blackness. PARTICIPANTS 127 Black heterosexual men were recruited from four Historically Black Colleges and Universities and one Minority Serving Institution in the South. METHODS Students completed an online survey as part of a pilot study to assess the sexual health needs of Black college students. RESULTS Our results indicated that respect/toughness and anti-femininity/hypersexuality were significant correlates of protective behavioral intentions. After accounting for awareness of anti-Blackness and age, anti-femininity/hypersexuality was a significant correlate of sexual risk behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights the complex multi-dimensional construct of masculinity and how forms of anti-Blackness continue to influence HIV vulnerability. Therefore, there is a need to include structural factors within research to better understand behaviors among Black college men and incorporate dimensions of masculinity that promote healthy sexual behaviors in interventions and programming.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer Toller Erausquin
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina - Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Amanda E Tanner
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina - Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Yarneccia D Dyson
- Department of Social Work, University of North Carolina - Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
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Griffith DM, Jaeger EC, Semlow AR, Ellison JM, Bergner EM, Stewart EC. Individually Tailoring Messages to Promote African American Men's Health. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022; 37:1147-1156. [PMID: 33899604 PMCID: PMC8542646 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2021.1913837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we describe our approach to individualizing messages to promote the health of middle-aged and older heterosexual, cisgender African American men. After arguing the importance of being population specific, we describe the process we use to increase the salience of health messages for this population by operationalizing the identity concepts of centrality and contextualization. We also present a measure of African American manhood and discuss how manhood is congruent with qualitative research that describes how African American men view their values, identities, goals, and aspirations in ways that can be utilized to create more meaningful and impactful messages to promote and maintain health behaviors. Our tailoring strategy uses an intersectional approach that considers how the centrality of racial identity and manhood and the salience of religiosity, spirituality, and role strains may help to increase the impact of health messages. We highlight the need to consider how the context of health behavior and the meaning ascribed to certain behaviors are gendered, not only from a man's perspective, but also how his social networks, behavioral context, and the dynamic sociopolitical climate may consider gendered ideals in ways that shape behavior. We close by discussing the need to apply this approach to other populations of men, women, and those who are non-gender binary because this strategy builds from the population of interest and incorporates factors that they deem central and salient to their identities and behaviors. These factors are important to consider in interventions using health messages to pursue health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek M. Griffith
- Center for Research on Men’s Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Department of Medicine Health & Society, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | | | - Andrea R. Semlow
- Center for Research on Men’s Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | | | - Erin M. Bergner
- Center for Research on Men’s Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Elizabeth C. Stewart
- Center for Research on Men’s Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN
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Rogers CR, Rogers TN. Psychosocial determinants of colorectal Cancer screening uptake among African-American men: understanding the role of masculine role norms, medical mistrust, and normative support. ETHNICITY & HEALTH 2022; 27:1103-1122. [PMID: 33249920 PMCID: PMC8163893 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2020.1849569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite having the highest colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality across all major racial/ethnic groups, African-American men consistently have poor CRC screening rates. Gendered and racialized beliefs and norms have been associated with African-American men's lower medical assistance-seeking rates, but how these notions influence African-American men's CRC screening practices merits further investigation. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of psychosocial determinants of men's health on CRC screening uptake among African-American men in three states. DESIGN Participants were recruited via CuttingCRC.com and through culturally-tailored flyers, newspaper ads, and snowball sampling, among other methods. From April 2019-August 2019, 11 focus groups were conducted with English-speaking Black/African-American men who (a) were between ages 45-75, (b) were born in the United States, (c) had a working telephone, and (d) lived in Minnesota, Ohio, or Utah. Multiple-cycle coding, Hatch's 9-step approach, and constant comparative data analysis was employed for de-identified transcript data. RESULTS Eighty-four African-American men met inclusion criteria and participated. Their mean age was 59.34 ± 7.43. In regards to CRC screening status, Ohio had the most previously screened participants (85%), followed by Minnesota (84%) and Utah (76%). Two major CRC screening barriers (masculine role norms and medical mistrust) - both encompassed 3-5 subthemes, and one major facilitator (normative support from family members or social networks) emerged. CONCLUSIONS Despite CRC screening's life-saving potential, African-American men have had the lowest 5-year relative survival for more than 40 years. When developing interventions and health promotion programs aiming to eliminate the racial disparity in CRC outcomes, addressing both masculine role norms and medical mistrust barriers to CRC screening completion among African-American men is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles R. Rogers
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, 375 Chipeta Way, Suite A, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Tiana N. Rogers
- University of Utah - David Eccles School of Business, Sorenson Impact Center, 85 Fort Douglas Blvd, Building #602, Salt Lake City, UT 84113, USA
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Li VM, Heyrana KJ, Nguyen BT. Discrepant abortion reporting by interview methodology among men from the United States National Survey of Family Growth (2015-2017). Contraception 2022; 112:111-115. [PMID: 35122730 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2022.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine discrepancies in men's abortion reporting when queried via face-to-face interview versus audio computer-assisted self-interviewing (ACASI) in the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG). STUDY DESIGN The NSFG collects nationally representative data on family life, sexual behavior, and reproductive health in the United States. The questionnaire is administered to participants via face-to-face interview (FTF), with selected items also asked of the same participant via ACASI for direct comparison. As the 2015-2017 NSFG queried individuals' abortion history via both methods, we examined discrepant reporting among respondents. We additionally explored sociodemographic and reproductive characteristics associated with discrepant abortion reporting in a multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS Of 4,540 male respondents ages 15-49, 45.3% reported a pregnancy. Via FTF, 12.3% reported an abortion, compared to 19.9% via ACASI (p<0.01). With respect to discrepancies in the number of reported abortions, 8.5% of respondents reported more abortions via ACASI versus FTF. Multivariable logistic regression modeling noted independently greater odds of abortion reporting in ACASI among non-Hispanic Black men (aOR 2.31, 95% CI 1.19-4.45), men living below the Federal Poverty Level (less than 100% FPL: aOR 3.65, 95% CI 1.93-6.89; 100-400% FPL: aOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.20-3.45), and those desiring more children in the future (aOR 1.91, 95% CI 1.20-3.04). CONCLUSION Men were more likely to disclose their abortions in ACASI compared to FTF interview. Disproportionate, discrepant abortion reporting among low-income, minority men who report desiring more children in the future warrants further research. IMPLICATIONS Surveys utilizing ACASI as an adjunct to FTF interviews may more accurately capture men's abortion experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria M Li
- Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles CA
| | - Katrina J Heyrana
- Section of Family Planning, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles CA
| | - Brian T Nguyen
- Section of Family Planning, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles CA.
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Rogers CR, Brooks E, Petersen E, Campanelli P, Figueroa R, Kennedy C, Thorpe RJ, Levant RF. Psychometric Properties and Analysis of the Masculinity Barriers to Medical Care Scale Among Black, Indigenous, and White Men. Am J Mens Health 2021; 15:15579883211049033. [PMID: 34636686 PMCID: PMC8516392 DOI: 10.1177/15579883211049033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-Hispanic (NH) Black, American Indian/Alaska Native (Indigenous), and NH-White men have the highest colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality rates among all other racial/ethnic groups. Contributing factors are multifaceted, yet no studies have examined the psychometric properties of a comprehensive survey examining potential masculinity barriers to CRC screening behaviors among these populations. This study assessed the psychometric properties of our Masculinity Barriers to Medical Care (MBMC) Scale among NH-Black, Indigenous, and NH-White men who completed our web-based MBMC, Psychosocial Factors, and CRC Screening Uptake & Intention Survey. We conducted exploratory factor analysis on a sample of 254 men and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) on a separate sample of 637 men nationally representative by age and state of residence. After psychometric assessment, the MBMC scale was reduced from 24 to 18 items and from six to four subscales. NH-Black men’s mean scores were lowest on three of four subscales (Being Strong, Negative and Positive Attitudes) and highest on the Acknowledging Emotions subscale. Compared with both Indigenous and NH-White men, NH-Black men had significantly lower Negative Attitudes subscale scores and significantly higher scores on the Acknowledging Emotions subscale. Compared with both Indigenous and NH-Black men, NH-White men had significantly higher Being Strong and Positive Attitudes subscales scores. This study expands on previous research indicating that, among racialized populations of men, endorsement of traditional masculine ideologies influences engagement in preventive health behaviors. Our scale can be tailored to assess attitudes to screening for other cancers and diseases that disproportionately burden medically underserved populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles R Rogers
- Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ellen Brooks
- Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ethan Petersen
- Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Pamela Campanelli
- UK Survey Methods Consultant, Chartered Statistician, Colchester, UK
| | - Roger Figueroa
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Carson Kennedy
- Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Roland J Thorpe
- Program for Research on Men's Health, Hopkins Center for Health Disparities Solutions, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ronald F Levant
- Department of Psychology (Professor Emeritus), The University of Akron, Akron, OH, USA
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15
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Griffith DM, Pennings JS, Jaeger EC. African American Manhood and self-rated health: What demographic characteristics, health conditions, and aspects of manhood matter? PSYCHOLOGY OF MEN & MASCULINITY 2021; 22:250-264. [PMID: 35095345 PMCID: PMC8797163 DOI: 10.1037/men0000343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Few studies have tested what aspects of manhood are associated with health. In this study, we examine how aspects of African American Manhood are related to health. Using cross-sectional data from a criterion sample of 300 African American men 35-73 years old (M = 46.53), we examined how aspects of African American Manhood, demographic characteristics, and health conditions were related to self-rated health. When we controlled for demographics, SES and health conditions, different aspects of manhood were associated with good/excellent health. Across four linear regression models, we found that the Religion and Spirituality factor was the component of African American Manhood most strongly associated with good/excellent self-rated health. The Religion and Spirituality factor was the only aspect of African American Manhood that remained significant when we controlled for SES and health conditions. Neither Reputation, Respectability, nor aspects of role strain remained significantly associated with good/excellent self-rated health when we controlled for SES and health conditions. In analyses examining the relationship between lower odds of good/excellent self-rated health and aspects of ethnic identity, only Afrocentric subscales that highlight behaviors that demonstrate a connection to Africa (e.g., celebrating Kwanzaa) and greater importance of learning about African culture or spiritual beliefs in Africa remained significant. Finally, we found that African American men who reported a body mass index in the normal range, an income level above $50,000, being employed, and having no chronic conditions were more likely to report good/excellent self-rated health than African American men who reported poor/fair health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek M. Griffith
- Center for Research on Men’s Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Department of Medicine Health & Society, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Jacquelyn S. Pennings
- Center for Research on Men’s Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Department of Medicine Health & Society, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
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16
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Valdez LA, Gubrium AC, Markham J, Scott L, Hubert A, Meyer J, Buchanan D. A culturally and gender responsive stress and chronic disease prevention intervention for low/no-income African American men: The MOCHA moving forward randomized control trial protocol. Contemp Clin Trials 2020; 101:106240. [PMID: 33301990 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2020.106240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Low/no-income, African American men are disproportionally burdened by chronic disease resulting from a complex interplay of systemic, sociocultural, and individual factors. These disparities are related to poverty, racism, gender role strain, high levels of stress, low levels of physical activity, and malnutritious diet. Men of Color Health Awareness (MOCHA) is a community-driven movement to address the physical, mental, social, and spiritual needs of men of color. As part of ongoing programming, the MOCHA Standard intervention consists of a 10-week program including: (1) small group discussions of issues particularly relevant to men of color, (2) classes on health topics focusing on chronic disease control, such as nutrition, obesity, high blood pressure, fitness, and the social determinants of health; and (3) 60-min of moderately intensive aerobic exercise twice a week. While the MOCHA Standard intervention has yielded positive results, feedback from previous participants warranted an in-depth sociocultural tailoring of the curriculum to improve community receptiveness, in particular, revising the sessions to "narrativize" the materials to strengthen their potential effectiveness. This manuscript describes the novel recruitment strategies; the development of an enhanced MOCHA+ Stories Matter program that uses narrative communication strategies; and the methodology used to assess the comparative effectiveness of the MOCHA Standard relative to MOCHA+ Stories Matter program in lowering stress and risk of chronic diseases in a randomized controlled trial. The results of this research will contribute to the identification of effective interventions to address health disparities in low-income African-American men and the dissemination of effective chronic disease prevention programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis A Valdez
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Arnold House, 715 N Pleasant St, Amherst, MA 01003, United States of America.
| | - Aline C Gubrium
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Arnold House, 715 N Pleasant St, Amherst, MA 01003, United States of America
| | - Jefferey Markham
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Arnold House, 715 N Pleasant St, Amherst, MA 01003, United States of America
| | - Lamont Scott
- The Men of Color Health Awareness Project, 275 Chesnut St, Springfield, MA 01104, United States of America
| | - Albert Hubert
- The Men of Color Health Awareness Project, 275 Chesnut St, Springfield, MA 01104, United States of America
| | - Jerrold Meyer
- Center for Neuroendocrine Studies, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Tobin Hall, 135 Hicks Way, Amherst, MA 01003, United States of America
| | - David Buchanan
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Arnold House, 715 N Pleasant St, Amherst, MA 01003, United States of America
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Warbrick I, Wilson D, Griffith D. Becoming active: more to exercise than weight loss for indigenous men. ETHNICITY & HEALTH 2020; 25:796-811. [PMID: 29583034 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2018.1456652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Objective: To understand what motivates sedentary indigenous and ethnic minority men to become more physically active. Design: We use thematic analysis to present data from a qualitative study exploring 23 sedentary indigenous Māori (New Zealand) men's experiences of completing a 12-week exercise intervention to improve their metabolic health. Results: Four themes emerged: The Bros - having fellowship and mutual motivation; Being better informed about exercise; Impacting overall wellbeing; and Disseminating the findings beyond the study Exercise interventions informed by indigenous Māori cultural values and knowledge increased its relevance to their daily lives. The motivation for these indigenous men was more culturally-based external factors than an inherent desire to lose weight. Conclusion: Indigenous and minority men in many developed countries have high morbidity and premature mortality related to sedentary lifestyles. The low uptake of physical activities possibly relates to focusing more on outcomes such as weight loss which lacks cultural relevance. When offering health promotion interventions for marginalized populations these findings highlight the importance of culturally tailoring interventions to the unique sources of motivation for each group to increase activity to improve their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Warbrick
- Taupua Waiora Centre for Māori Health Research, School of Public Health and Psychosocial Studies, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland New Zealand
| | - Denise Wilson
- Taupua Waiora Centre for Māori Health Research, School of Public Health and Psychosocial Studies, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland New Zealand
| | - Derek Griffith
- Center for Research on Men's Health, Center for Medicine, Health and Society, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
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Valdez LA, Morrill KE, Griffith DM, Lindberg NM, Hooker SP, Garcia DO. Mexican Origin Hispanic Men's Perspectives of Physical Activity-Related Health Behaviors. Am J Mens Health 2020; 13:1557988319834112. [PMID: 30819068 PMCID: PMC6775557 DOI: 10.1177/1557988319834112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 83% of Hispanic men of Mexican origin are overweight or obese, which are both associated with increased risk of chronic disease and all-cause mortality. Consequently, men of Mexican origin have some of the highest prevalence rates of obesity-related comorbidities. Physical activity (PA) may be an important strategy for Hispanic men of Mexican origin in reducing incidence and risk factors of lifestyle diseases. The current study engaged Spanish-speaking, Hispanic men of Mexican origin aged 24–64 years with overweight/obesity to examine perspectives of health behaviors related to PA. A total of 14 in-depth semistructured individual interviews were completed between September and November of 2015 and data analyzed using an iterative deductive–inductive thematic assessment strategy. The men suggested that their PA was hindered by (a) work-related energy and time constraints, (b) socioeconomic status (SES) and the need to prioritize work, (c) adaptations to majority population lifestyle norms, and (d) perceived lack of suitable access to PA-promoting spaces. The men provided valuable insight for strategies to improve PA interventions such as (a) accurately accounting for current PA levels of participants, including occupational and transportation PA, (b) considerations of family dynamics that influence PA-based behavior change, and (c) considerations of economic and geographical constraints that can be remediated. To improve effectiveness, future PA-related intervention research with Hispanic men of Mexican origin should consider methods that (a) account for transportation and occupational PA to better tailor PA to individual needs, (b) consider sociocultural and socioeconomic influences, (c) account for social support and accountability, and (d) consider economic and geographical constraints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis A Valdez
- 1 School of Public Health and Health Sciences, Department of Health Promotion and Policy, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Kristin E Morrill
- 2 College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Derek M Griffith
- 3 Center for Research on Men's Health, Center for Medicine, Health and Society, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Steven P Hooker
- 5 College of Health and Human Services, San Diego State University, CA, USA
| | - David O Garcia
- 6 Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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19
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Griffith DM, Jaeger EC, Valdez LA, Schaefer Solle N, Garcia DO, Alexander LR. Developing a "Tailor-Made" Precision Lifestyle Medicine Intervention for Weight Control among Middle-aged Latino Men. Ethn Dis 2020; 30:203-210. [PMID: 32269462 PMCID: PMC7138438 DOI: 10.18865/ed.30.s1.203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To identify what is important to middle-aged Latino men and their personal goals and values as foundations for a future precision lifestyle medicine intervention that is rooted in Self-Determination Theory. Design We used a phenomenological, thematic approach to analyze data from 20 semi-structured, individual interviews with Latino men aged 35-60 years. Setting Community-based settings between November 2017 and May 2018 in South Florida. Participants Latino or Hispanic men who were aged 35-60 years. The mean age of the men was 49.8 years. Results Two key themes emerged: a) the characteristics that these men say define what it means to be a man; and b) the characteristics that these men say define what is important to them. "What defines a man" includes three primary subthemes: a) the attributes, characteristics and behaviors that participants understood to be ideals that a man should embody and the roles he should fulfill; b) lessons learned growing up about what it means to be a man; and c) how Latino men relate to the ideal of machismo. "What defines me" includes the subthemes: a) comparing themselves with the ideal of machismo; b) caring for family and others; and c) supporting and modeling positive behavior for their children. Conclusions We found key candidate mechanisms that may be novel yet critical foundations on which to build a precision lifestyle medicine intervention for Latino men. We identified actionable psychosocial factors that map onto motivational constructs that can shape behaviors that are essential for weight control and be a useful foundation for improving the health of middle-aged Latino men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek M Griffith
- Center for Research on Men's Health; Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Emily C Jaeger
- Center for Research on Men's Health; Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Luis A Valdez
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
| | | | - David O Garcia
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
| | - Leah R Alexander
- School of Graduate Studies and Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN
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20
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Griffith DM, Jaeger EC. Mighty men: A faith-based weight loss intervention to reduce cancer risk in African American men. Adv Cancer Res 2020; 146:189-217. [PMID: 32241389 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2020.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
According to the American Cancer Society's guidelines on nutrition and physical activity for cancer prevention, weight control, eating practices and physical activity are second only to tobacco use as modifiable determinants of cancer risk. However, no evidence-based interventions have been targeted to African American men or tailored to individual African American men's preferences, needs or identities. The goal of this chapter is to describe the rationale for the components, aims and setting of Mighty Men: A Faith-Based Weight Loss Intervention for African American Men. We begin by discussing the rationale for focusing on weight loss in the context of cancer prevention, and argue that obesity and obesogenic behaviors are important yet modifiable determinants of cancer risk. Next, we briefly review the scarce literature on interventions to promote healthy eating, physical activity and weight loss in our population of interest, and then discuss the rationale for conducting the intervention in faith- based organizations rather than other common settings for recruiting African American men. We conclude with a discussion of the conceptual foundations and components of Mighty Men, and discuss our focus and goals in the context of the larger literature in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek M Griffith
- Center for Research on Men's Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States; Center for Medicine, Health and Society, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States.
| | - Emily C Jaeger
- Center for Research on Men's Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
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21
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Griffith DM, Cornish EK, Bergner EM, Bruce MA, Beech BM. "Health is the Ability to Manage Yourself Without Help": How Older African American Men Define Health and Successful Aging. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2019; 73:240-247. [PMID: 28977532 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbx075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Few studies have explored how older African American men understand the relationship between health and successful aging. The goal of this study was to examine how older African American men's conceptions and definitions of health and notions of successful aging are interrelated. Method Using data from 22 semistructured individual interviews with African American men ages 55-76, we examine how cultural and normative ideals about health map onto the core components of Rowe and Kahn's (1997) definition of successful aging. We also explore how these notions influence factors that have implications for health. Results Consistent with prior research, we found that older African American men operationalized notions of health in ways that mapped onto three elements of successful aging: (a) the absence of disease and disability, (b) the ability to maintain physical and cognitive functioning, and (c) meaningful social engagement in life. A fourth theme, what men actually do, emerged to highlight how regular health practices were key components of how men define health. Conclusions These findings highlight key elements of how older African American men conceptualize health in ways that are interrelated with yet expand notions of successful aging in ways that are critical for health promotion research and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek M Griffith
- Center for Research on Men's Health.,Center for Medicine, Health and Society, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | | | - Marino A Bruce
- Center for Research on Men's Health.,Center for Medicine, Health and Society, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Bettina M Beech
- Myrlie Evers-Williams Institute for the Elimination of Health Disparities, Jackson, Mississippi.,John D. Bower School of Population Health, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson
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22
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Amuneke-Nze CG, Bamgbade BA, Barner JC. An Investigation of Health Management Perceptions and Wellness Behaviors in African American Males in Central Texas. Am J Mens Health 2019; 13:1557988318813490. [PMID: 30428764 PMCID: PMC6775563 DOI: 10.1177/1557988318813490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 10/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known regarding interventions that incorporate health management perceptions among African American (AA) men, to reduce the risk for developing various medical conditions. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the study objective was to better understand health-care perceptions of AA men by assessing participants' attitudes, subjective norms (SNs), and perceived behavioral control (PBC) regarding health management. AA adult males in Texas were recruited to participate in one of four qualitative focus groups. The TPB was used to assess participants' attitudes (advantages/disadvantages), SNs (approvers/disapprovers), and PBC (enablers/barriers) regarding health management. All four sessions were audiotaped, transcribed, and independently analyzed by researchers to identify major themes. Participants ( n = 23) were 45.2 ± 16.2 years of age (range 24-74). Regarding attitudes toward health management, participants viewed increased longevity and avoiding future health problems as advantages; however, increased cost, lack of confidence in health care, and social pressures were disadvantages. Regarding SNs, parents and children were positive influencers, while spouses and coworkers were both positive and negative influencers. For PBC, a support system and health awareness were identified as enablers, while medical mistrust, fear, and culture were barriers. The results convey that health management behaviors in AA males are multifaceted. Health-care providers should seek to understand these factors, discuss these issues with AA males, and integrate treatment strategies that are culturally informed and patient centered. Findings from this study may be used to develop targeted interventions that improve health outcomes for AA males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chibuokem G. Amuneke-Nze
- Division of Health Outcomes and Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Benita A. Bamgbade
- Department of Pharmacy and Health Systems Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jamie C. Barner
- Division of Health Outcomes and Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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23
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Griffith DM, Bergner EM, Cornish EK, McQueen CM. Physical Activity Interventions With African American or Latino Men: A Systematic Review. Am J Mens Health 2018; 12:1102-1117. [PMID: 29557237 PMCID: PMC6131438 DOI: 10.1177/1557988318763647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Relatively little is known about what helps increase physical activity in African
American men, and even less is known about promoting physical activity among Latino men.
This systematic review aimed to address the key questions: (a) what is the state of the
evidence on health-related behavior change interventions targeting physical activity among
African American or Latino men? and (b) What factors facilitate physical activity for
these men? For this review, nine electronic databases were searched to identify
peer-reviewed articles published between 2011–2017 that reported interventions to promote
physical activity among African American or Latino men. Following PRISMA guidelines, nine
articles representing seven studies that met our criteria were identified: six published
studies that provided data for African American men, and one published study provided data
for Latino men. Consistent with previous reviews, more research is needed to better
understand how gender can be incorporated in physical activity interventions for African
American and Latino men. Future interventions should explore how being an adult male and a
man of color shapes motivations, attitudes, and preferences to be physically active.
Studies should consider how race and ethnicity intersect with notions of masculinity,
manhood and Machismo to enhance the effectiveness of physical activity interventions for
these populations. Despite the health benefits of physical activity, rates of these
behaviors remain low among African American and Latino men. It is essential to determine
how best to increase the motivation and salience for these men to overcome the obesogenic
environments and contexts in which they often live.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek M Griffith
- 1 Center for Research on Men's Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.,2 Center for Medicine, Health & Society, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Erin M Bergner
- 1 Center for Research on Men's Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Emily K Cornish
- 1 Center for Research on Men's Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Chelsea M McQueen
- 1 Center for Research on Men's Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
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24
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Bergner EM, Cornish EK, Horne K, Griffith DM. A qualitative meta-synthesis examining the role of women in African American men's prostate cancer screening and treatment decision making. Psychooncology 2017; 27:781-790. [PMID: 29055290 DOI: 10.1002/pon.4572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Being an African American man is a risk factor for prostate cancer, and there is little consensus about the use of screening, early detection, and the efficacy of treatment for the disease. In this context, this systematic review examines the roles women, particularly wives, play in African American men's prostate cancer screening and treatment decision making. METHODS We searched OVID Medline (R), CINAHL (EBSCO), PsychInfo (EBSCO), PubMED, Cochrane Library, ERIC (Firstsearch), and Web of Science to identify peer-reviewed articles published between 1980 and 2016 that reported qualitative data about prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, or treatment in African American men. We conducted a systematic review of the literature using study appraisal and narrative synthesis. RESULTS Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for identifying and screening 1425 abstracts and papers, we identified 10 papers that met our criteria. From our thematic meta-synthesis of the findings from these publications, we found that women played 3 key roles in African American men's decision making regarding prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, or treatment: counselor (ie, offering advice or information), coordinator (ie, promoting healthy behaviors and arranging or facilitating appointments), and confidant (ie, providing emotional support and reassurance). CONCLUSIONS Women are often important confidants to whom men express their struggles, fears, and concerns, particularly those related to health, and they help men make appointments and understand medical advice. Better understanding women's supportive roles in promoting positive mental and physical outcomes may be key to developing effective interventions to improve African American men's decision making and satisfaction regarding prostate cancer screening and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M Bergner
- Center for Research on Men's Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Emily K Cornish
- Center for Research on Men's Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kenay Horne
- Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Derek M Griffith
- Center for Research on Men's Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.,Center for Medicine, Health and Society, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
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25
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Cornish EK, McKissic SA, Dean DAL, Griffith DM. Lessons Learned About Motivation From a Pilot Physical Activity Intervention for African American Men. Health Promot Pract 2017; 18:102-109. [PMID: 26637233 PMCID: PMC4893343 DOI: 10.1177/1524839915614800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
African American men are less likely than White men to meet physical activity recommendations, and few physical activity interventions have focused on the unique needs of African American men. Because health is not more important to men than fulfilling the role of a provider or other socially important roles, one of the biggest challenges in creating interventions for African American men is helping them identify reasons that they should prioritize both health and life goals. In a recent pilot physical activity intervention for 30- to 70-year-old African American men, we used self-determination theory and motivational interviewing principles to create worksheets that helped men identify their core values and life goals and asked them to describe how their values and goals were related to health and physical activity. We used basic statistics and thematic analysis to identify and examine key sources of motivation for men to be healthier and more physically active. We found that being healthy, a good Christian, a good spouse/partner, disciplined, and successful were among men's most important life goals. This article highlights a strategy for identifying key sources of motivation in African American men's lives and key themes that can be used in to enhance future interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Donnatesa A L Dean
- 2 Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, MO, USA
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26
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Griffith DM, Cornish EK, McKissic SA, Dean DAL. Differences in Perceptions of the Food Environment Between African American Men Who Did and Did Not Consume Recommended Levels of Fruits and Vegetables. HEALTH EDUCATION & BEHAVIOR 2016; 43:648-655. [DOI: 10.1177/1090198115626923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
African American men have high rates of chronic disease morbidity and mortality associated with their low rates of fruit and vegetable consumption. In an effort to inform tailored behavioral interventions for this demographic, we sought to assess if men with healthier eating practices viewed their environment differently than those who ate less healthy. We segmented participants into high/low healthy eating categories based on the daily fruit and vegetable serving recommendations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to determine if differences among environmental and social barriers were associated with different healthy eating patterns. We found key differences between men who consumed the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables (five or more servings/day, high healthy eating) and men who did not (low healthy eating). Men who consumed recommended levels of fruits and vegetables found eating healthy to be easy, and they described how they were able to overcome barriers such as the cost of healthy food, their limited knowledge of nutrition guidelines, and their lack of willpower to make healthier food choices. Men with healthier eating practices also identified individuals, plans, and resources they used or could use to help them have healthier eating practices. Conversely, men who were not eating recommended levels of fruits and vegetables also found eating healthy to be easy; however, they identified barriers limiting their access and did not articulate strategies to overcome these perceived barriers. Many of these men also indicated that they did not have social support to help them engage in healthier eating practices. These findings highlight the need to understand how African American men’s conceptualization of environmental resources and social supports relate to their eating practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek M. Griffith
- Center for Research on Men’s Health, Vanderbilt University
- Center for Medicine, Health and Society, Vanderbilt University
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Dean DAL, Griffith DM, McKissic SA, Cornish EK, Johnson-Lawrence V. Men on the Move-Nashville: Feasibility and Acceptability of a Technology-Enhanced Physical Activity Pilot Intervention for Overweight and Obese Middle and Older Age African American Men. Am J Mens Health 2016; 12:798-811. [PMID: 27099346 DOI: 10.1177/1557988316644174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Men on the Move-Nashville was a quasi-experimental, 10-week pilot physical activity intervention. A total of 40 overweight or obese African American men ages 30 to 70 (mean age = 47) enrolled in the intervention. Participants attended 8 weekly, 90-minute small group sessions with a certified personal trainer. Each session consisted of discussions aimed to educate and motivate men to be more physically active, and an exercise component aimed to increase endurance, strength, and flexibility. Throughout each week, men used wearable activity trackers to promote self-monitoring and received informational and motivational SMS text messages. Of the 40 enrolled men, 85% completed the intervention, and 80% attended four or more small group sessions. Additionally, 70% of participants successfully used the activity tracker, but only 30% of men utilized their gym memberships. Participants benefited from both the small group discussions and activities through increasing social connection and guidance from their trainer and group members. These African American men reported being motivated to engage in physical activity through each of these technologies. Men reported that the activity trackers provided an important extension to their social network of physically active people. The intervention resulted in significant increases in men's self-reported levels of light, moderate, vigorous, and sports-related physical activities, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and significant decreases in weight and body fat percentage with small, moderate and large effects shown. Including technology and didactic components in small group-based interventions holds promise in motivating African American men to increase their physical activity.
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Gilbert KL, Ray R, Siddiqi A, Shetty S, Baker EA, Elder K, Griffith DM. Visible and Invisible Trends in Black Men's Health: Pitfalls and Promises for Addressing Racial, Ethnic, and Gender Inequities in Health. Annu Rev Public Health 2016; 37:295-311. [PMID: 26989830 PMCID: PMC6531286 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-publhealth-032315-021556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, there has been growing interest in improving black men's health and the health disparities affecting them. Yet, the health of black men consistently ranks lowest across nearly all groups in the United States. Evidence on the health and social causes of morbidity and mortality among black men has been narrowly concentrated on public health problems (e.g., violence, prostate cancer, and HIV/AIDS) and determinants of health (e.g., education and male gender socialization). This limited focus omits age-specific leading causes of death and other social determinants of health, such as discrimination, segregation, access to health care, employment, and income. This review discusses the leading causes of death for black men and the associated risk factors, as well as identifies gaps in the literature and presents a racialized and gendered framework to guide efforts to address the persistent inequities in health affecting black men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keon L Gilbert
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education and
| | - Rashawn Ray
- Department of Sociology, University of Maryland at College Park, College Park, Maryland 20742
| | - Arjumand Siddiqi
- Division of Epidemiology and
- Division of Social and Behavioral Health Sciences, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3M7, Canada
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Shivan Shetty
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education and
| | | | - Keith Elder
- Department of Health Management and Policy, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri 63104;
| | - Derek M Griffith
- Center for Medicine, Health, and Society and
- Institute for Research on Men's Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37240
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To consider how manhood is a key social determinant of minority men's health. DESIGN This commentary explicates how manhood intersects with other determinants of health to shape minority men's stress responses, health behaviors and health outcomes across the life course. RESULTS Manhood, which perpetually needs to be proven, is an aspirational identity that is defined by the intersection of age, race/ethnicity and other identities. Minority men seek to and successfully embody US-cultural and ethnic-specific aspects of manhood in their daily lives by engaging in behaviors that constantly reaffirm their gender identity through a complex internal and social calculus that varies by intra-personal characteristics and context. Manhood and health are relational constructs that highlight how the salience of masculinities are shaped by perceived and actual social norms and expectations. A life course perspective adds a framework for considering how some gendered beliefs, goals and behaviors change over time while others remain static. Three life course frameworks highlight different mechanisms through which minority men's life experiences and physiological and behavioral responses to gendered social norms, beliefs and expectations become embodied as premature mortality and other health outcomes over the life course. CONCLUSION Manhood represents an important lens to understand how minority men's identities, goals and priorities affect their health, yet the role of manhood in minority men's health is understudied and underdeveloped. To achieve health equity, it is critical to consider how manhood shapes minority men's lives and health across the life course, and to address how manhood affects gendered and non-gendered mechanisms and pathways that explain minority men's health over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek M. Griffith
- 1. Institute for Research on Men’s Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
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