Eliminating the health disparities between populations of color and the majority culture is a national goal for the year 2010. The health of populations of color is a major concern, especially for African Americans. African Americans have a higher age adjusted death rate for 13 of 15 disease specific categories than any other group. This study examined the protective and risky health behaviors of African Americans attending church in the Midwest. Three hundred and three surveys were collected by participants who were 18 years and over. A 34 item pencil and paper survey was used. Protective behaviors included having regular blood pressure checks (94.6%), having had a cholesterol check in the last 5 years (73%), and having 61% report never smoking. Risky behaviors were 31.9% reporting regular exercise, 43.8% reporting eating more than 5 or more fruits and vegetables a week and 62% reporting wearing a safety belt. The research suggests that many African Americans are engaged in behaviors that protect them, but they also need to change a number of risky behaviors if health disparities are to be eliminated.
Learning Objectives: Identify health attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that should be changed among African Americans Develop and design programs to improve health among this population
Keywords: Health Behavior, Minority Health
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.