Objectives. This report describes our efforts to provide “Hard to Reach” African American Males with information about the prevention of CVD.
Strategy. A culturally appropriate approach is used to provide preventive CVD information to a population of African-American Males, 35 years of age and older, who have been considered difficult to access via traditional strategies. A social hub, “all night clubs” or “lounges” is utilized to access this population of men, who are at high risk for CVD. Although the “night clubs” are located in a metropolitan portion of Mississippi, they are patronized by persons who share a culture that evolves from smaller, more rural neighboring communities. These men are less likely to access traditional health care venues.
Implications. African American Males in Mississippi are at higher risk for CVD due to their consumption of foods high in fat content, smoking, alcohol consumption and lack of physical activity. Hence, these African-American Males need access to information on CVD risk factors and have an opportunity to process information that may lead to short-term or long-term acceptance of the need for behavioral modification. This approach will provide these men with information that may potentially increase their quality of life and reduce their risk of developing CVD.
Conclusion. African American Males often do not utilize primary care services prior to the onset of disease or other complications. This cultural strategy allows the public health care educator access in a nontraditional environment which the African American Men find non-threatening; thus, decreasing resistance to information.
Learning Objectives: The participant will have access to information that will help him/her better understand the cultural of this population of men, recognize cultural boundaries, apply appropriate mechanisms for information disemination, and communicate in a non-intimidating manner. The participant will recognize that a communication gap exists between traditional health care educators and this targeted population
Keywords: Access to Health Care, Behavior Modification
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.