The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #42782

Jean J. E. Bonhomme, MD, MPH and Ronald L. Braithwaite, PhD. Behavioral Sciences and Health Education Department, Rollins School of Public Health of Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30322, (404) 712-9518, jbonhom@sph.emory.edu

The health status of African-American men is often narrowly perceived as an issue limited to the referenced group. However, health problems affecting African-American men may have a profound impact on the status of African-American women and children with regard to health and disease, economic status, quality of life, and family stability.

African-American males as a group are less likely to utilize the health care system, less likely to carry health insurance, and less likely to have seen a physician in the previous year than whites or women, a factor that accounts in part for their lower average life expectancy and higher rates of serious illnesses.

HIV and other infectious diseases, which have taken a severe toll on African-American men owing to substance abuse and sexual behavior, have proven readily transmissible to African-American women through sex, and in turn to children through women. Intentional injury, such as homicide and suicide, as well as unintentional injury, such as workplace and motor vehicle accidents, often affect women and children directly and/or indirectly through reduction or loss of income and disruption of family relationships. Paternal health issues, including military and occupational chemical exposures, are believed to be associated with specific birth defects in children.

The likely association between African-American male health and the health status of African-American women and children warrants increased attention by health care professionals. Addressing the health of African-American males as an issue affecting the broader African-American community could potentially lead to improved health outcomes for African-American people as a whole.

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